Skills development vital for future economic growth

Continuing investment in skills development will ensure that Northern Ireland maintains the significant economic gains made in the 1990s, Mrs Carmel Hanna, Minister for Employment and Learning, has said.

The Minister was speaking at the Graduation Ball in Belfast for the Rapid Advancement Programme, (RAP), funded by her Department and delivered by BIC Systems, Western Connect and the North West Institute of Further and Higher Education.

Congratulating over 200 graduates on their success, Mrs Hanna said: “The Rapid Advancement Programme has achieved notable success since it was established three years ago to provide non IT graduates with an opportunity to fast track their careers in information communication technologies.

“Over 650 graduates have already participated in the Programme, which has contributed significantly to the ongoing development of Northern Ireland’s knowledge-based economy.

“The quality of the Programme received further recognition last October when BIC Systems in partnership with the management development team within my Department were awarded the prestigious National Training Award. I have no doubt that this was attributable both to the commitment of the participants as well as the high calibre of training."

The Minister said that training initiatives such as RAP were making a major contribution in attracting overseas investment and in assisting the development of indigenous business. She added: “The term ‘joined-up Government’ features prominently in the Northern Ireland of today, and the role that initiatives like this play in influencing investment decisions here, and assisting wealth creation, cannot be overstated.

“In recognition of the continuing needs of the sector, and following industry consultation, I have decided to introduce some changes to RAP from September next, when around 180 places will be offered, again focusing on qualifications and gaining skills.

“The key objective of the new pilot programme remains as before – to address identified skills gaps in the ICT sector. However, it will also explore the feasibility of new funding arrangements and an increase in the work placement period, something the industry itself is keen to have in place."

Mrs Hanna said that the recent downturn in the ICT sector had resulted in the need for some programme refinements, while still maintaining the now established key features of off-the-job training, mixed with opportunities to develop skills in the real work environment.

RAP is a 29-week ICT conversion programme providing non-IT graduates with an opportunity to fast tract their careers in information technology.

The programme trains participants in web and e-Commerce technologies, networking and operating systems; software engineering; software development and database development.

(MB)