Later this year, telecoms behemoth BT will hire 26 graduates and apprentices in Belfast.
The news is part of the company's intentions to hire over 600 graduates and apprentices this year across the UK. For the September 2022 intake, 13 graduates and 13 apprentices are needed.
To support the UK's fast-growing digital sectors, positions in engineering, customer service, applied research, and cyber-security will be available.
The new hires will also help the firm create and expand its 5G network across the United Kingdom.
Birmingham, Bristol, Dundee, Glasgow, Ipswich, London, and Manchester are among the cities where the new positions will be filled.
Over the last three years, the BT Group has hired over 2,000 apprentices and graduates, making it one of the largest private sector apprenticeship employers in the UK.
At any given time, the organization has roughly 4,000 employees working on their certifications.
The program, which will be completed in 2024, has already launched future-fitted, high-tech workspaces in Birmingham, London, and Warrington, where employees can interact, develop, and produce the best for BT's clients and the company.
PJ Bowman, 23, from Belfast, is a recent local graduate who supports both BT's placement and graduate programs.
PJ said: “I initially joined as a placement student during my degree, returning on the HR graduate programme and it was one of the best decisions that I have made.
He added: “It is such an interesting job, no two days are ever the same! It has given me so many learning opportunities to broaden my skillset with access to valuable resources that can be used for development and growth across the business.”
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Ann McGregor praised BT's continuous investment in local talent.
“Providing apprentice opportunities and graduate roles which will develop digital skill-sets is exactly what we need to prepare Northern Ireland’s economy for the future,” she said.
“BT is a major employer, so we welcome this announcement and its continued long-term presence in Northern Ireland. This announcement is testament to the skills of our local workforce and BT’s confidence in it.”
Debbie White, Chief Human Resources Officer, BT Group added: “BT is at the heart of the UK’s digital economy and as one of the largest employers of graduates and apprentices in the UK, we offer unparalleled development opportunities.
