Lifelong Skills Gets NI Boost

In the midst of one of the worst recessions this century, there is to be a renewed focus on 'transferable skills'.

As hundreds lose their jobs across NI, re-training is already an important facet of reintegrating redundant workers, with the new initiative by Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) Northern Ireland being welcomed this week.

The organisation is to launch new professional standards for teachers, tutors and trainers in the lifelong learning sector at an event to be held tomorrow - at Malone House, in Belfast.

The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) and the Institute of Directors, as well as key employers from the lifelong learning sector in Northern Ireland, have welcomed the launch of these new standards.

They will be underpinned by the National Occupational Standards for Learning Delivery and will ensure full recognition of Northern Ireland qualifications for teachers, tutors and trainers throughout the United Kingdom, and will significantly support the transferability of skills for the workforce.

Brian Henry, Director of LLUK Northern Ireland, said: "We are proud of the cooperative work that we carried out with the Government and the sector to develop these new professional standards.

"We are confident that they will not only improve the professional level of teachers, tutors and trainers, but also significantly strengthen the lifelong learning sector in Northern Ireland."

Nuala Kerr, Director of Skills and Industry Division at DEL also commented: "Lifelong Learning UK's launch of the new Professional Standards for Teachers, Tutors and Trainers in the lifelong learning sector is very important as they will underpin the qualifications that employers can access to further professionalise the workforce in Northern Ireland.

"This is a great example of a Sector Skills Council working closely with key stakeholders, including employers, developing the skills and qualifications that they need," she said.

(BMcC/JM)