SHARES in Belfast-based tech firm Kainos continued to hover around a near record high this week with the company’s market cap now sitting comfortably over £1.6 billion.
The London-listed group’s shares hit a high of 1,354p on Tuesday, not far behind the record 1,368p per share valuation it reached on October 23 last year.
It follows a series of lucrative digital services contracts with the UK Government, and rapid expansion of its workforce in north America.
While Kainos is recruiting hundreds of new staff in the USA, it has now prioritised opportunities for young people in Northern Ireland, by introducing a virtual work experience programme.
The partnership with Speakers for Schools will seek to offer 1,000 14 to 19-year-olds live, interactive, and virtual career experiences.
Kainos’ chief executive Brendan Mooney confirmed last year that the group had been able to thrive while the vast majority of staff worked remotely from home.
Gemma Crothers, social responsibility manager at Kainos said: “Whilst we adapt to Covid-safe working, we must not sacrifice young people’s access to career experiences.
“We are delighted to partner with School Employer Connections and Speakers for Schools to equip today's young people with the digital literacy and critical thinking skills that our future economy will so desperately need.”
Catherine Daly, a former work experience student and up-and-coming software developer at Kainos added: “I’ve always had a passion for IT but wasn’t sure about pursuing it as a career.
“After completing work experience at Kainos, equipped with new skills and a real insight into the company culture, I knew I wanted to be part of the team. I’m now in my second year of Kainos’ Earn as you Learn scheme, studying a part-time degree in Computer Science while working on real-life projects and gaining invaluable experience along the way. It all started with a week’s work experience, and I would highly recommend it.”
Owen Crozier, manager of School Employer Connections said: “Employers in Northern Ireland now have the opportunity to repair some of the damage that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused to young people’s prospects.
“School Employer Connections alongside Speakers for Schools have significant experience in this field and will offer full support to any employer who’s prepared to step up and help out.”
Jason Elsom, chief executive at Speakers for Schools, said: “All we ask is that local industries are prepared to take a little time out to give youngsters a helping hand on the careers ladder.
“Our team are delighted to partner with Kainos and School Employer Connections to support employers every step of the way to create and deliver quality experiences that will inspire and inform career ambitions for the young people of Northern Ireland.”
