21/08/2013

Farry Reinforces Benefits Of Essential Skills

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has reinforced the benefits of Essential Skills for adults as we prepare for the new term in September.

With the arrival of the new school term, this time of year can be extremely difficult for parents who may struggle with numeracy, literacy and ICT and fear the challenges of helping with homework in the year ahead.

Calling on adults to take full advantage of his Department's free Essential Skills courses the Minister said: "The Essential Skills classes offer a second chance for people to fulfil their potential with a suite of qualifications in literacy, numeracy and ICT. Since the start of the Essential Skills strategy 96,000 have participated, and improved their skills, gaining 192,974 qualifications.

"Gaining Essential Skills can help not only with day-to-day family life and everyday tasks but also with future career choices. The qualifications have proven to open up doors to various opportunities and helps people fulfil their potential, build confidence, achieve their goals, up-skill the workforce and contribute to a stronger local economy."

(CD/JP)

Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

30 April 2010
Co Antrim Shines At Skills Awards
A Ballymena man has scooped the prestigious title of Northern Ireland Essential Skills Learner of the Year for 2010. Co Antrim's Alastair McCormick clinched the award at the Essential Skills Awards ceremony, which took place in Hillsborough Castle.
13 December 2012
Skills Minister Urges Adults To Improve Basic Maths And English For Jobs
In some areas of the country around a quarter of adults have the numeracy skills of a seven to nine year old, or below, according to Skills for Life . Skills for Life examines the maths, English and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) levels of 16-65 year olds across England.
03 September 2010
New Graduates 'Lack People Skills'
Those graduating from university in 2011 are failing to show potential employers that they have the interpersonal skills needed to succeed at work, according to research by SHL, a provider of talent assessment solutions in the workplace.
05 March 2008
Skills Development And Education Vital To ICT Sector
Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey stressed that skills development, quality education and training was vital to the success of the local ICT sector. The Minister was addressing delegates attending 'One Year On', a conference hosted by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecommunications.
16 May 2006
NI Adults Benefit From Essential Skills Training
Over 23,000 Northern Ireland's adults are benefiting from the Government’s Essential Skills campaign, it has emerged today. The campaign, which has been fronted by the ‘Gremlins’ and recently celebrated its third anniversary, has helped participants brush up on their reading, writing and maths skills.