A NEW skills initiative in Northern Ireland — a first for the UK — will help local companies maximise their training and development opportunities, according to industry leaders.
The objective of a Skills Hub is to enable employers to facilitate the secondment of highly skilled members of staff to other local organisations and SMEs.
Speaking at the launch of the Skills Hub, Robert Cooper, CEO of Harland and Wolff, said: ‘Employers stand to benefit from a wide range of activities through Skills Exchange NI, such as knowledge sharing skill development and retention, role placement, work experience, resource sharing, training and business mentoring.
It is a win-win for both employer and employee.” The Hub is being funded by Dunbia, Harland & Wolff, HI, Michelin, Moy Park, Northern Regional College, Ulster Bank and Wright Bus, allowing smaller SMEs and others to benefit from the skills exchange free of charge.
Four regional online Hubs will be centred in Belfast, Craigavon, Deny and Ballymena.
Skill Exchange NI is the brainchild of Skill Exchange UK which is now aiming to roll out similar hubs across the rest of the UK. Further information is available at www.skillexchangeuk.org.
Philip Flaxton, chief executive of Skill Exchange, said: “Skill Exchange NI, which we plan to replicate throughout the L7IC, provides a regional strategy which allows the entire employer community an extended umbrella under which to access opportunities without location barriers.”
Minister for Employment and Learning, Stephen Farry said: “Skills are widely accepted as the key driver in h we in Northern Ireland can achieve our economic goals.”
‘Increased skill levels help Iii adapt more quickly and effectively change, and this in turn gives the more confidence to invest, to innovate, to seek out new markets and to expand.”
Meanwhile, Ballymena’s new Career Resource Centre has been officially opened.
It is hoped the centre on Linenhal Street, Ballymena, will widen access professional careers advice in the area.
Speaking during his visit to the new Careers Resource Centre, Minister F said: “These centres allow clients of all ages access to professional Careers Advisers, supported with up to date information and resources, including public internet access, without the need for an appointment.”