AI and Data Academy with EY

Training

The AI and Data Academy with EY is fully funded by the Department for the Economy and delivered in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC).

The Academy is an eight-week intensive training course and will take place onsite at BMC campuses along with some online tuition.

Candidates selected to join the academy will receive practical skills, training and industry recognised qualifications in areas such as:

• DevOps
• SQL and relational databases
• Python
• PowerBI
• Large Language Models and Agentic AI
• Databricks

Those taking part will get a weekly training allowance of £180 for the length of the Academy, as well as help with travelling and childcare costs where people qualify.

If you successfully finish the course, you will be guaranteed a job interview with EY for a Technology Consulting role. However, successfully finishing the academy is not a guarantee of getting a job.

Who can apply

No previous experience is needed but you must:

• be at least 18 years old on 2 March 2026
• have been awarded at least a foundation degree in any subject at the point of application
• have a right to work and to undertake Assured Skills Training in the UK at the point of application and not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status         
• proof of this status will be required to progress to interview
• Evidence of these criteria will be required no later than noon (UK time) on 19 January 2026 if selected for interview
• have appropriate IT access to link to online tuition

Applicants should be aware that the company may apply additional right to work criteria at point of employment, and a job offer is not guaranteed.

Desirable criteria

• a Foundation Degree or above in a STEM discipline
• hold a valid right to work in both the UK and EU
• as EY work with global clients some of the roles will require candidates to work across both jurisdictions
• be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance
• this requires a minimum of five years’ residency in the UK

For more information on Security Vetting go to:

• United Kingdom Security Vetting

Shortlisting criteria

If a large number of applications are received, EY reserve the right to enhance the minimum criteria, by taking into consideration some or all the desirable criteria.

How to apply

The application process will involve the completion of the online application form.

All trainees offered a job with EY will have to go through intense screening and checks as part of the onboarding process.

This includes Fit and Proper, Independence and Medical and pre-employment checks. 

Apply online at:

• AI and Data Academy with EY application form

Closing date

Completed applications must be submitted by noon (UK time) on Monday 19 January 2026. 

Interview and training dates

The selection process will entail completion of an online assessment and an interview.  Interviews will be conducted between 3 and 5 February 2026.

An information session for those invited to interview will be held on Thursday 29 January 2026.

Academy training starts on Monday 2 March 2026 and finishes on Tuesday 28 April 2026.   

Applicants should be available for the entire duration of the training period and any pre-scheduled commitments should be listed in your application. 

Training is from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday for the length of the Academy. 

Applicants need to be able to commit to the full-time training as outlined above and be available for any on-site training that is required.

Company information

At EY the purpose is to build a better working world. The insights and solutions provided help to create long-term value for our clients, people and society, and to build trust with clients. 

Further information

For more information on this academy, or to receive updates on new academy opportunities as they arise, contact:

• Department for the Economy - Employer Skills Branch

Privacy notice

To find out how your information will be managed, you can view the privacy notice for Assured Skills