Training For Success To Be Closely Scrutinised

It has been revealed that Northern Ireland’s new vocational training programme, Training for Success, is to be monitored by the Assembly Committee for Employment and Learning.

During October, the Committee announced that it will embark on the scrutiny exercise to address the early stage roll out of the Department of Employment and Learning’s key new training programme.

Training for Success began operation on 3 September this year and replaces Jobskills as the Department’s primary vocational training programme.

The Committee’s Chairperson Sue Ramsey said: “Training for Success is one of the major policy programmes initiated under the new devolved administration.

“It is extremely important that the Department delivers a programme of high quality training and provides the best opportunities for our young people to acquire the training and skills they need to obtain gainful lasting employment.”

Ms Ramsey continued: “The Committee considers that the Department has worked extremely hard to address the Westminster Public Accounts Committee’s criticisms of the previous Jobskills programme.

“It is the duty of our Committee to ensure that the Department delivers on this programme so that we have the skills to meet the significant economic challenges ahead.

“Although the programme is in its initial stages, it is important that we get involved early to ensure that Training for Success delivers on the needs of both trainees and employers.”

The Training for Success Programme replaced the Jobskills Programme from 3 September 2007 and was developed as the result of criticism of Jobskills by the Public Accounts Committee in its report of 2005.

Criticisms included the quality of training, low retention and progression rates, the apparent employer exploitation of young people undertaking work placements as part of their training and the low net employment impact.

(BMcC)