A new initiative will connect early talent with employers seeking AI-ready software skills across Northern Ireland.
Software NI and Workplus have launched a new AI Bootcamp designed to accelerate talented software students and graduates into AI-enabled software jobs and help Northern Ireland employers - particularly SMEs – hire for the skills they need in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
The initiative, delivered as part of Workplus and Software NI’s Software for All project and part-funded through the TechLocal programme, will run a two-week intensive bootcamp for 50 current or recent software students and connect them into software roles.
The programme has been developed in response to two connected challenges: employers are seeking new skills as artificial intelligence changes how software is developed and deployed, while many capable students and graduates can struggle to secure their first opportunity to demonstrate their potential.
The Bootcamp will provide another route, with a particular focus on students and graduates from software-related degree programmes who may have missed out on placement or graduate opportunities.
Neil Hutcheson, CEO of Software NI, said:
“AI is moving fast, bringing both uncertainty and opportunity across the market. In addition to equipping students with the latest AI development techniques, we aim to hone the evergreen soft skill traits that have always been important across industry. Building on the excellent work of our university and college partners, we believe these kinds of bootcamps will become increasingly important if NI is to ride the waves of change.”
Richard Kirk, CEO of Workplus, said:
“This project is about equipping and connecting early talent directly with employers, with a specific focus on SMEs. The measure of success for this project isn't simply how many people complete the Bootcamp. It is whether we can help create 40 new opportunities and give employers access to talented people they might otherwise have missed.”
The programme will include a dedicated employer and applicant campaign, assessment and selection process, employer-informed Academy training and direct recruitment into participating businesses.
Employers across the NI software industry – and beyond - are now being encouraged to get involved by identifying potential opportunities and helping shape the skills delivered through the Academy.
Students and graduates can apply directly to secure their place on the AI Bootcamp.
The AI Bootcamp will take place in January 2027, with participants then able to apply for recruitment opportunities with participating employers.
The programme aims to have students and graduates in paid AI-related software roles after the bootcamp or when final-year students complete their studies in 2027, while testing a model that could be scaled to support future AI skills and recruitment needs.
The project is part-funded by TechLocal, which is part of TechFirst, the UK Government's flagship tech skills programme.
For further information for employers, visit:
https://campaigns.workplus.app/ai-bootcamp-employers
For further information for applicants, visit:
