A college-led innovation programme has helped 520 companies develop new skills, boost jobs and improve profits, according to Employment Minister Stephen Farry.
Funded by the Department for Employment and Learning and delivered by the six regional colleges, the InnovateUs Programme provides fully funded specialist support to help equip small enterprises with new skills to support innovation that can boost productivity and competitiveness.
The programme’s second year has helped up-skill more than 550 employees, created or safeguarded 66 jobs and contributed to a £2m increase in sales for businesses. Commending the programme at South West College in Dungannon, Mr Farry said:
“My department is focused on supporting further education’s links with small businesses and on promoting this innovative programme as part of the department’s key strategic focus on economic development.
“Further Education colleges deliver a range of support and programmes to upskill existing employees and enable those in the workforce to gain new skills, talents and competences.
“InnovateUs, the Employer Support Programme, provides opportunities for small businesses to acquire the skills to engage in these innovation activities, enabling them to develop new products, new services and new ways of working.”
Jill Cush, innovation and development manager, South West College, said: “Colleges hold an extensive range of expertise and technologies and understand the issues and skills shortages facing businesses.
“The InnovateUs Programme is about putting these resources within the reach of small nimble firms. By tailoring our training and support towards key sectors, companies have been able to find new ways to solve industrial problems and bring new products to market.”
Oliver McElduff of Tyrone’s MCD Engineering, which used the programme, said: “The response developed by South West College has improved our quantitative analysis of assembly designs and part components, and our ability to tender for new work.”