RECRUITMENT firm MCS Group has put its corporate might behind this year’s NI Science Festival after being unveiled as a key funding partner for the 11-day extravaganza, which officially launches tomorrow
The firm, which plays a key role in promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers in the north, is the only private sector funder for the festival, which will host more than 150 engaging events across 25 venues, focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering and maths.
MCS director Louise Smyth said: “There's an abundance of evidence which links student achievements in STEM areas to economic prosperity and Northern Ireland has the potential to be a hub of activity for careers in this area.
“Northern Ireland is already highly successful in this area, with home-grown businesses including Randox, First Derivatives, Almac and Andor leading a global charge, and in my 23 years working in recruitment I have never seen more exciting and diverse roles on offer.
“Many parents are unaware that there is a strong pipeline of new job opportunities available in STEM locally and we need an attitude shift and encouragement from them so that we can meet the high demand for these skills.
“International firms are continually amazed at the quality of teaching in Northern Ireland and the NI Science Festival showcases everything that STEM applies to in our everyday lives and behind each element there are plenty of careers.”
In addition to providing funding for the NI Science Festival, MCS Group is also sponsoring the highly-anticipated Future17 coding hackathon event on Saturday February 18 when a team of three tech-savvy 15-year-olds welcome 350 teenagers and international speakers to Titanic Belfast.
Started up by 15-year-old local tech-wiz Adam Flanagan out of a frustration at the lack of teen tech events in Belfast, its aim is to help inspire teenagers to get more involved in the tech industry.
Other key funders for the NI Science Festival 2017 include the Department for the Economy, Belfast City Council, Queen’s University and Tourism Ireland and Venues will include W5, Titanic Belfast, the Armagh Planetarium, the Black Box, the Nerve Centre and the Ulster Museum.
For more information on the festival and to book events visit www.nisciencefestival.com.
