Lifelong Learning UK Opens Belfast Office

Learning doesn't just stop after school, apprenticeship or university, but is a continuing process.

Therefore this month's opening of Northern Ireland headquarters for Lifelong Learning UK - the independent body that represents adult educational workforce employers on skills issues - has been welcomed.

Sir Reg Empey, NI Minister for Employment and Learning, officially opened the new Belfast office during July and said that the Sector Skills Councils have a critical role to play in progressing the skills agenda in Northern Ireland.

He said that the organisation is already valued by employers, particularly for their Sector Skills Agreement that is about to be launched.

"The Sector Skills Council is the voice of the employer and the role of the employer in upskilling our workforce is crucial, not only in articulating the skills needed now and in the future, but also in providing the opportunity for employees to be trained and up-skilled whilst in the workplace," he said.

"I am therefore pleased that Lifelong Learning UK will now have a visible and enduring presence in Northern Ireland.

"The decision to open an office in Belfast highlights the increased commitment from Lifelong Learning UK to work on behalf of employers in the sector across Northern Ireland."

Commenting on the opening of the Northern Ireland office Brian Henry, Lifelong Learning UK's Director in Northern Ireland said: "I am delighted that we now have a presence in Northern Ireland to take forward the skills agenda and work towards creating a world class lifelong learning workforce.

"Lifelong Learning UK in Northern Ireland will work in partnership with key employers and stakeholders to ensure that their views are represented both within Northern Ireland and across the UK."

(BMcC)