Other News In Brief

Third Financial Service Academy Launched

The third Financial Services Academy in conjunction with FinTrU, an expanding financial services outsourcing provider with a Centre of Excellence based in Belfast, has launched.

Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry said: "I am delighted to launch the next FinTrU Financial Services Academy which will provide a further 20 participants with the skills, knowledge and experience required to take up exciting new employment opportunities with FinTrU.

"This Academy will build on the success of the previous two Academies, which have seen all 40 Academy participants secure employment with FinTrU.

"The continuing commitment of companies such as FinTrU to create jobs in Northern Ireland is hugely important to our continued economic growth.

"Through the Assured Skills initiative my Department continues to encourage companies to bring their business to Northern Ireland or expand their existing operations, stimulating the creation of new jobs in the local economy."

Patton Re-Appointed Chair Of HBC

Mr Marcus Patton has been re-appointed as Chair of the Historic Buildings Council (HBC).

The appointment, which is for a three-year term, is effective from 13 September 2016.

The Historic Buildings Council, a statutory advisory council to the Department of the Environment, plays an important role in advising the department on matters relating to the preservation of buildings of special architectural or historic interest.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "The Historic Buildings Council can help inform government how best to maintain built heritage for future generations and positively develop our assets to realise their full and true potential. I would like to thank Marcus for his service and leadership on the Council to date."

Free English Lessons For Refugees Welcomed

Alliance MLA Anna Lo has welcomed an announcement to offer free English lessons to refugees.

Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry announced the plans following the arrival of the first group of Syrian refugees to Northern Ireland last month.

"Many of the refugees in Northern Ireland already have good qualifications and skills obtained in their homeland," said South Belfast MLA Ms Lo.

"It is only the language barrier that prevents them from not only integrating locally but also contributing to society, as they want to use their expertise in various areas.

"Currently, only asylum seekers are entitled to free English lessons, so it makes sense those who become refugees also get help with improving their language skills. This will enable them to get into higher-value employment rather than low-paid manual jobs."

(CD/JP)