15/04/2015

Call For Firms To Address Appenticeships

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has addressed local businesses on the new Northern Ireland Strategy on Apprenticeships and the benefits that apprenticeships can bring.

Speaking at an event organised by the Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust at Stormont, Minister Farry said: "Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to transform the skills landscape in Northern Ireland and facilitate economic and social progress.

"I believe implementation of the model contained in the new Strategy, 'Securing our Success', will have a transformative impact on the supply of skills, particularly at higher levels for employers and, at the same time, inspire all who participate in an apprenticeship programme."

The Minister challenged businesses to consider the merits of employing an apprentice in helping to address skills gaps, recognising that apprenticeships benefit employers of all sizes, including small and micro businesses which form the vast majority of the Northern Ireland economy.

Minister Farry said: "Apprenticeships provide an excellent means by which employers can obtain the skills they require, as well as being assured that across the economy there is a critical mass of people with strong technical and good employability skills. For our new model to be successful, it is essential that employers in particular continue to play a central role in the development and delivery of the new system."

(CD/MH)

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