Local Students Given Chance to Star on Ireland's First 'App Camp'

Date posted
26 July 2011
Reading time
5 Minutes

Local Students Given Chance to Star on Ireland's First 'App Camp'

A group of eight top entrepreneurial students have been given the chance to pave their future careers in the technology sector after being awarded a place on Ireland's first 'App Camp'. Selected by leading IT company Kainos, the eight high flyers are taking part in a 2-month long intensive programme where they will learn everything required to design and develop applications (Apps) for Apple's iconic iPhone and iPad. By partnering the students with the highly experienced team of developers at Kainos, the App Camp initiative aims to develop and strengthen the skills base of our top undergraduates. Over the eight week course they will be trained in all aspects of App development from identifying gaps in the market, hardware and software development to graphic design and marketing. The end result will be the creation of new Apps which are fit for iPhone and iPad users worldwide. As well as developing programming and wider IT skills, the course also offers 'foot in the door' job opportunities to those interested in developing a long-term career with Kainos. Bradley Armstrong who is currently studying for his Foundation Degree in Software Engineering at Belfast Metropolitan College is one of the eight lucky App Campers: 'I'm really delighted to have been selected by Kainos and look forward to learning all I can about this exciting and fast moving sector of the market. I also regard this as a very important career development tool one which is not only practical in nature but which will help set me apart when it comes to looking for a job after graduation.' Tom Gray, Chief Technology Officer at Kainos says: 'This exciting new programme is designed specifically to hothouse the brightest and best new, raw talent. This is a fantastic way to engage with bright, young undergraduates by finding out first-hand what they have to offer, and helping them hone and shape their skills for commercial success. 'Kainos is a tremendous success story for Northern Ireland but we're always looking forward and our App Camp is yet another example of how we can work in partnership with the education sector to develop new markets and deliver growth in the future.' By the end of the 8-week App Camp, the goal is for the students to launch their app on the official Apple App Store. Each student will also be presented with an Apple Macbook and iPod Touch to enable them to carry on their development work while at University.