Skilled workforce essential to compete in global economy

Developing a skilled workforce will be the key to Northern Ireland's economic development in the next 10 years.

That was the message from Aideen McGinley, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Employment and Learning, when she met representatives of 40 local organisations who recently achieved the Investors in People standard.

Paying tribute to their efforts, during a presentation ceremony at Hillsborough Castle, Mrs McGinley said: "The Investors in People programme has already demonstrated the twin benefits to local employers of equipping people with the knowledge, skills and ability to do their job, while reaping the benefits of improved performance and increased business volume.

"What you have achieved signals a very clear commitment to workforce development, is a promising sign for the local economy and should serve as an example to other Northern Ireland employers."

Referring to her attendance at a recent Skills Conference in Belfast, she concluded: "In the keynote speech on the strategic agenda for skills, training, education and science, the vital contribution that the Investors in People programme was making and would make in the future, was highlighted. As exemplars of best practice, your proactivity and commitment to workforce development is the bedrock upon which Northern Ireland can build a world class economy."

(CD)