YOUNG people from across Belfast are being inspired to consider careers in the fast-moving tech industry through a series of hands-on workshops.
Organised by Innovation Factory, sessions will run until March encouraging people to look at new tech industries including gaming and coding, digital marketing, design and communications.
Julie McGrath who delivers the workshops said there was a huge gap in digital and tech skills and it was stopping SME growth in Northern Ireland.
"It's imperative that we help children understand what tech is and the amazing opportunities out there for them," she said.
"It's hard for parents and educators to grasp that by 2030, 80 per cent of the jobs we will work in don't currently exist. We need to create a greater awareness that there are jobs out there that are hugely rewarding and there are exciting opportunities within SMEs and start-ups with that have huge potential."
The workshops are being delivered as a partnership between Belfast City Council and Innovation Factory with schools and colleges including CBS Glen Road, Belfast Royal Academy, Boys Model, Ashfield Boys School, Malone College, Mercy College and BMC Futures Project.
They will include a session on creative thinking and design, programming and coding for game creation, digital marketing and advertising and influencing communication through vlogging and blogging.
:: For more information visit www.innovationfactoryni.com.
