ENTRY is now open for a popular free training course.
The AppCamp®, hosted by the digital solutions company, Kainos, is a unique, free training event in which undergraduates in computing or related subjects are trained to develop apps for Apple iPhones or iPads by experienced software developers.
The event has run in Belfast for the last four years and due to the success of previous events, a second location has been added in Bristol this year, with applicants invited from all over the UK.
The training camp starts in both Belfast and Bristol on June 30 and among those Kainos is hoping to attract to this year’s contests are undergraduates studying Computer Science/ICT, Electronics Engineering, Software/Electronics hybrids, Physics and Design.
Successful applicants to the course will be given hands-on training to create iPhone/iPad apps over the eight-week period. During the first two weeks, all participants will receive basic training in how to develop an app. At the end of this time, the ten best apps will be chosen by a panel of experts, and their creators will receive a MacBook and a further six weeks of mentoring to bring their apps to the Apple AppStore.
Tom Gray, CTO at Kainos, said: “The Kainos AppCamp is a central part of the company’s commitment to nurture young talent for the digital industry.”
Kainos launched the AppCamp in 2011 to offer creative students the opportunity to bring their successful apps to the market. Last year’s competition resulted in Mile Mapper, a running/cycling route generation app; Lip Reader, which teaches lip-reading to children; and LondonCC, which helps drivers manage London congestion charges.
Interested students can apply for a place by visiting www.appcamp.co.uk/sign-up/ or enquire by email to appcamp@kainos.com.
Meanwhile, a pilot ICT Apprenticeship Scheme to recruit individuals into the sector in the North West area has been launched.
The scheme, involving government and a number of local ICT
employers, will see individuals recruited as apprentices and taking up various software development roles in companies in the North West. The successful applicants also avail of an intensive ‘boot camp’ to enhance their skills.
Launching the programme, Minister for Employment and Learning Stephen Farry said: “I recently launched a ‘Skills to Succeed’ campaign, which highlights the importance of skills and qualifications for individuals, employers and the economy. The ICT sector is of critical importance to the growth of Northern Ireland.”
The pilot is based on the successful Belfast area Public/Private ICT Apprenticeship scheme, which has seen 74 apprentices employed in the local ICT industry throughout a number of private sector companies and the public sector.
Entry closes at 5pm on May 8. For more information and how to apply visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/ictapprenticeships.
