Launching in October 2023, W5 LIFE is excited to work in collaboration with Massachusetts-based Lasell University and Microsoft Ireland to deliver a Microsoft Business Applications Developer Certificate programme.

The 12-week hybrid programme is designed to prepare participants to become Microsoft Certified and assist them on a career path as a Business Applications Developer. The programme comprises of two modules that will immerse students in a number of engaging experiences and empower them to design solutions, build business applications and learn essential communications and project management skills.

The certificate is delivered in a flexible format that blends online synchronous and in-person sessions with self-paced coursework. In-person sessions will be delivered from Microsoft Dream Space education and innovation hubs, located at W5 LIFE Belfast and Leopardstown, Dublin.

Upon completion of the Microsoft Business Applications Developer Certificate programme, students will receive a Business Applications Developer Certificate from Lasell University.

Martin McDowell, Chair of The Odyssey Trust, said: “At W5 LIFE, we are excited to take our partnership with Lasell University to even greater heights with the Microsoft Business Applications Developer Certificate programme. This programme gives students, graduates, those seeking a career change and even individuals who are striving to develop their skills in this area, an amazing opportunity to work alongside Microsoft, one of the most prominent technology and software companies, and Lasell University, a leading educational institution in North America.”

“When we opened W5 LIFE in November 2022, one of our aims was to address the skills requirements needed in this ever-changing and developing digitalised economy. The Microsoft Business Applications Developer Certificate really epitomises this goal and we are delighted to host the in-person sessions as part of this course.”

Kevin Marshall, Head of Learning and Skills at Microsoft Ireland, said: "Microsoft is delighted to collaborate with Lasell and W5 LIFE to launch the new Microsoft Business Applications Developer Certificate programme. This is the first micro-credential in Business Applications in Ireland, focusing on low-code no-code skills that are crucial for the future. This micro-credential will provide a safe real-world learning environment, which will enable non-technical learners to develop innovative applications that are relevant to organisations.”

Eric Turner, Lasell University President, said: “Lasell University has a 172-year history of educating students of all ages and meeting those students wherever they are on the continuum of learning. We are thrilled to continue our educational mission by expanding our ever-growing partnerships with W5 LIFE and Microsoft with the launch of this exciting new program. We are honoured to have had the ability to witness first-hand the incredible impact W5 LIFE has had on the people of Ireland and cannot wait to see it continue.

In November 2022, The Odyssey Trust officially launched a new 20,000 sq. ft. facility, W5 LIFE – Learning Innovation for Everyone, which is dedicated to addressing the skills requirements of Northern Ireland’s increasingly digitalised economy. Promoting inclusion and diversity through immersive STEM-based experiences, W5 LIFE aims to provide wider access to skills training that leads to exciting career paths and employment opportunities whilst inspiring a curiosity and passion for technology and lifelong learning.

Microsoft Ireland has replicated its Dream Space experience in Belfast in the new Learning Centre at W5 LIFE. Microsoft Dream Space delivers digital skills to primary and secondary level students across Northern Ireland and has an ambition to reach over 15,000 students from across Northern Ireland each year.

For further information, and to register interest in the Microsoft Business Applications Developer Certificate programme, please visit www.w5life.co.uk.