Government launch new skills initiative

A new skills initiative launched by the Department of Learning yesterday aims to raise the skills of Northern Ireland’s existing workforce and help those who are currently out of work to secure and retain employment.

The Northern Ireland Skills Strategy, which was launched by Minister Barry Gardiner during a Chamber of Commerce event held in Londonderry, is a plan which will meet employer’s needs by basing qualifications on revised industry-led national occupational standards, which have been benchmarked internationally.

Through a number of key skill areas the strategy aims to improve the productivity and competitiveness of Northern Ireland.

Speaking to representatives of the local business community attending the event, the Minister said: “Today, the Department for Employment and Learning is publishing a consultation paper on a Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland. This is the first time a coherent, comprehensive strategy for skills has been attempted here and it marks the importance I attach to skills as an economic and social driver.

“Employers such as yourselves are now very much in the driving seat for specifying what skills you want. The days of leaving it to providers, or indeed Government, to prescribe what training and skills should be provided are no longer relevant to the pace of change demanded by NI companies wishing to remain competitive. I urge you to play your part in this consultation.”

Representatives attending the launch included schools, training organisation, local authorities, government agencies and private businesses.

(MB/SP)