As the world becomes increasingly technology dependent, the range of businesses emerging in the STEM sector will grow significantly. This is something we strongly believe in and we continue to invest in the high achievers who will form the next generation of this field.

Partnering with Ulster University, we proudly supported the VANRATH Prizes. ​The three Excellence awards, each for £1000, were given to the highest scoring full-time undergraduate Computer Science students in each year of the Computing Schools at Jordanstown/Belfast and Magee.

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Ryan Quinn, Managing Director at VANRATH said:

At VANRATH we believe it is important to reward excellence, which is why we were privileged to launch the VANRATH Prize for the Best Student in Computer Science in partnership with Ulster University. Our students are the next generation professionals, and we need to ensure that they are given the opportunities to excel in a prosperous Northern Ireland. With STEM subjects continuing to rise, we want to play our part in helping students financially and contribute to the recognition of their tremendous hard work, particularly during the unprecedented and difficult times we have all faced for the last 24 months.

Partnering with a world-class education institute like Ulster University has been a great honour, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.

Professor Jonathan Wallace, Professor of Innovation and Chair of the Computing Employer Advisory Board at Ulster added:

Engaging our students directly with companies to build strong talent pipelines is key to Ulster University’s employment success rate, with 94% of our students either in work or further study six months after graduating. As well as partnering with us to offer placement positions to our students in their 3rd year of study, prizes and scholarships are fantastic ways for local businesses to motivate and reward students, to help develop their employability and forge their career pathways. We thank VANRATH for their generous support and extend our warmest congratulations to the winning students.

Congratulations to all three prize winners:

• First year winner: Niall Morrissey, BSc Hons Computer Science

• Second year winner: James Shiels, BSc Hons Computer Science

• Third year winner: Eamon Bradley, BSc Hons Computer Science

James Shiels, winner of the second year prize shared how VANRATH’s support will benefit him during his BSc Hons Computer Science:

I returned to education after working for eight years in the hospitality sector as I wanted to finally pursue my interest in software development.  I am really grateful for this award and thank VANRATH for the recognition. I am currently on my placement year and am really enjoying getting the industry experience. I know this award will set my CV apart from others and help me with graduate job opportunities. The money will really benefit me too as I can finally buy a new laptop in preparation for final year and cut down on my working hours during final year to focus fully on my course in order to achieve the best results I can.