Business

Liberty IT helps kick-start career in tech with 10 new apprentice software engineer roles

Liberty IT's Ronan Lavery (associate talent acquisition specialist) and Gina Lonergan (apprentice software engineer) pictured as the firm launches a drive to recruit 10 new apprentice software engineers. Picture: William Cherry/PressEye
Liberty IT's Ronan Lavery (associate talent acquisition specialist) and Gina Lonergan (apprentice software engineer) pictured as the firm launches a drive to recruit 10 new apprentice software engineers. Picture: William Cherry/PressEye Liberty IT's Ronan Lavery (associate talent acquisition specialist) and Gina Lonergan (apprentice software engineer) pictured as the firm launches a drive to recruit 10 new apprentice software engineers. Picture: William Cherry/PressEye

DIGITAL innovation specialist Liberty IT is giving people the chance to take the first steps in an innovative career in technology with the launch of a recruitment drive for 10 apprentice software engineers as part of its TechStart Programme.

The roles are open to those who meet the entry requirements to Ulster University’s BSc (Hons) computing systems, either through studying an A-Level in Northern Ireland or through the range of entry routes available.

The TechStart opportunities will combine on the job learning while completing academic studies at UU structured academic and learning and development programmes.

Successful applicants (apply at www.liberty-it.co.uk/careers) will work side by side with and learn from Liberty IT’s experienced software engineers and through the company’s Buddy Scheme, they will receive ongoing feedback and coaching from a dedicated mentor.

Stephen Killilea Hannon, talent acquisition manager of Liberty IT, said: “Our TechStart programme is a great way to kick-start a career in tech and have the support of some of the best talent in the industry through defined learning and development programmes while completing education at Ulster University.

“We are invested in the future of our Apprentices, many of which go on to enjoy long-term employment at Liberty IT and avail of the clear career progression opportunities available.

“From the offset, successful applicants will be a key member within our core development teams that design, code, test and maintain a range of platforms and services for our Fortune 100 parent company, Liberty Mutual Insurance. They will learn the fundamentals of enterprise engineering and sharpen their programming skills. It really is a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience with the industry leader in digital innovation.”

Michael Anderson, principal software engineer at the company, said: “I joined Liberty IT in 2015 as an apprentice and the programme gave me the opportunity to get started in a career that I really wanted to do having gone down a path in education that I unfortunately discovered didn’t interest me.

“Eight years on I can confidently say Liberty IT gave me every opportunity to learn and succeed, despite coming in with no formal training in the field. In this time, I have progressed from the role of assistant systems administrator to a principal software engineer which clearly demonstrates how the company empowers its apprentices to grow and succeed.

“I would strongly encourage anyone considering applying for the TechStart Programme to go for it - I haven’t regretted my decision for a second.”