BBC Technical Skills In Focus

Regional TV and radio technicians have been 'broadcasting' their own professionalism.

The Northern Ireland Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey has this week been getting first hand experience of the important role played by skilled engineers and technicians at the BBC.

The Minister was visiting BBC Belfast's Blackstaff House in the fifth of a series of 'cutting edge' workplace visits designed to update teachers and careers advisers on the opportunities and realities of working in engineering.

This enables them to provide students with up to date advice with which to make informed career choices.

Speaking after a tour where he witnessed engineering in action, the Minister said: "Achieving the Government's priority of growing a dynamic and innovative economy relies heavily on an increasing number of people with skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

"It is vital that we start to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers in Northern Ireland.

"My Department is committed to working with employers to encourage more people to gain economically relevant qualifications in these areas.

"Events such as this help provide our teachers and careers advisers with first hand experience of what employers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths are actually looking for in potential employees and what they can offer them in return," he explained.

Organised by the Learning and Skills Development Agency NI (LSDA NI) and EngineeringUK, the 'Engineers Make it Happen', programme aims to improve the supply of skilled engineers and technicians to meet business and industry’s needs.

Victor Jordan, Northern Ireland Manager, EngineeringUK, commented: "Engineering is key to helping Northern Ireland power out of the recession and forge a prosperous future.

"Today's event at BBC Northern Ireland is designed to ensure teachers and careers advisors have all the information they need to explain the vast range of different engineering careers to their students," he said.

Maggie Robinson, Development Adviser at LSDA said: "We are very pleased to be delivering this scheme with EngineeringUK. There is much work to be done to encourage students to take up subjects in science, technology, engineering and maths and go on to work in these fields.

"By running events such as these, LSDA aims to make a difference and close the skills gap."

(BMcC/GK)