Wallace pupil Tanya set to ‘earn as she learns’

The “Earn as You Learn Scheme” is a highly innovative scheme aimed at A’ Level students studying one or more of the following subjects at A’ Level: Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics and who wish to pursue a career in digital technology.

Kainos were voted a top 50 employer in the “Sunday Times Top 100 Best companies to work for” category.

Tanya has been recruited as a Trainee Software Engineer and will work for the company as well as picking up a salary with increments based on promotion.

She will also study a part time degree in BSc Hons in Computer Systems at the University of Ulster. Her employer, Kainos, will pay for her course fee, her course materials, a laptop and all required software.

Principal, Mrs Deborah O’Hare is understandably delighted with Tanya’s good news and commented: “Thank you to everyone who encouraged and supported Tanya. In particular I know how enthusiastically Ruth Foster has mentored Tanya and encouraged her to apply; I am very grateful for all Ruth is doing to encourage links with industry in Wallace.”

Head of Computing at the Lisburn school, Mrs Ruth Foster, echoed Mrs O’Hare’s comments: “I was delighted when I heard that Tanya had been successful in her application for the prestigious Kainos scholarship.

“As an enthusiastic, high achieving student Tanya will make an excellent contribution as an employee in this local software company that are particularly keen to encourage more woman into the computing industry.”

Tanya is very much looking forward to the opportunity and said: “I read about Kainos last March and thought it was a fantastic opportunity so when I heard they where offering the Earn as you Learn scheme again this year I knew I had to apply. The opportunity to gain real life work experience whilst completing a Computing degree at Ulster is invaluable.

“I am absolutely delighted to have gained a place and can’t wait to get started in August with such an innovative company.

“I first discovered computing in Year 13 after completing an Introduction to Programming Course with Mrs Foster in school, if I hadn’t completed this course I never would have discovered my interest in programming.

“I can’t wait to pursue a career in IT, especially as it is one of the main areas of job growth within Northern Ireland.”

All at Wallace wish to congratulate Tanya on her success and wish her all the best for the exciting future ahead.