Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has relaunched the Northern Ireland Skills Council (NISC), welcoming members to its first full meeting since a review concluded, as part of efforts to strengthen skills development and support economic growth.

Under a refreshed operating model, the Council will provide strategic advice on Northern Ireland's key workforce and skills challenges.

Initially, its work will prioritise three themes — Digital Skills and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Green Skills, and Future Skills and Advanced Manufacturing — aligned with the Department for the Economy's Economic Vision and Sectoral Action Plans. The Council will also deepen collaboration with Ireland's National Skills Council on shared labour market issues.

Speaking following the meeting the Minister said: "Skills are central to building a more productive, regionally balanced and sustainable economy, creating good jobs and ensuring people have the skills to take up new opportunities.

"The relaunched Skills Council will provide valuable expertise and advice as we respond to changing skills needs, particularly in Digital and AI, green skills and advanced manufacturing. "I also welcome its growing relationship with Ireland's National Skills Council, helping us share expertise and collaborate on the challenges and opportunities we have in common."

Chair of the Northern Ireland Skills Council, Kathleen O'Hare, said: "The relaunch of the Skills Council provides an opportunity to strengthen the connection between skills policy, employer needs and economic development. Council members bring expertise from business, education and industry, and we are committed to using that experience to provide practical, evidence-based advice on the workforce challenges facing Northern Ireland.

"I am particularly pleased that the Council will be taking a thematic approach to its work, focusing initially on Digital Skills and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Green Skills, and Future Skills and Advanced Manufacturing. These are areas of significant opportunity for our economy and where effective collaboration between government, employers and education providers will be essential."

The NISC is an independent advisory body on skills policy, bringing together expertise from business, employees, education, government and the third sector to provide strategic advice on the development and implementation of skills policy in Northern Ireland.