Workforce Skills Need Good Foundation

The potential of foundation degrees to aid up-skilling within the Northern Ireland workforce has been highlighted.

NI Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey, stressed the Government's commitment to raising the skills level of Northern Ireland’s workforce to compete in a global marketplace.

The Minister was addressing delegates at an Employer Engagement conference in the Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick, hosted by Foundation Degree Forward and the Skills for Business Network NI.

He said: "When we consider that approximately two thirds of those currently in the workforce will still be in active employment in 2020, it is clear to see the importance of up-skilling those people who are currently contributing to the labour market.

"We can't do this alone. Government, the education and business sectors must work together to deal with the challenges ahead. Raising the skills levels of our current and future workforce must be a high priority for us all."

He was attending the event 'Transforming Your Workforce', which aimed to bring together employers, Sector Skills Councils and the organisation, Foundation Degree Forward, to explore and encourage the development of effective work-based qualifications in line with the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland, 'Success Through Skills'.

The Minister highlighted that, through the Skills Strategy, his Department is committed to increasing the proportion of the population qualified to Level 4 and above, focusing on workforce development and increased employer engagement, particularly through more opportunities for part-time vocational courses, such as Foundation Degrees.

Sir Reg added: "Foundation Degrees address important skills gaps at the associate professional and higher technician level. They equip students with the combination of technical skills, academic knowledge and transferable skills that employers are increasingly demanding.

"We want to work closely with industry to ensure that these degrees are developed to meet the needs of employers and are industry-led. In particular, it is my Department’s policy to support part-time participation on Foundation Degrees, particularly by those in employment."

Derek Longhurst, Chief Executive of Foundation Degree Forward, said: "Northern Ireland's fast growing labour supply means that there is currently great employer demand for higher level skills among employees.

"Foundation Degree programmes up-skill employees by giving them the appropriate education, training and development so that they can make a valuable contribution."

(BMcC)