DISTANCE learning is to become more accessible to students in Northern Ireland thanks to a funding transfer.
The Minister for Employment and Learning, Stephen Farry, announced that funding for the Open University in Northern Ireland will be transferred to his Department from the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
Addressing the Open University’s graduation ceremony in the Waterfront Hall, the Minister said: “The higher education sector in Northern Ireland is central to the future development of the region’s economy as identified in my department’s Higher Education Strategy. I recognise the critical role that our local institutions, including the Open University, play in producing graduates with the necessary skills to meet existing and new economic opportunities.
“The transfer of funding from the beginning of the next academic year is positive news for the people of Northern Ireland as the Open University becomes a full component, along with Queen’s University, the University of Ulster and the two University Colleges, in the Northern Ireland Higher Education system.
“The Open University plays a key role in providing distance learning provision to almost 4,500 part-time students in Northern Ireland currently studying over 5,000 modules.
“Distance learning is a fundamental feature of the Open University which aligns strongly with the Higher Education strategy to provide more flexible learning environments. It is my objective that, by 2018, modular and distance learning will be expanded to all students in higher education in Northern Ireland.”
The Minister concluded: “Increasing Northern Ireland’s international education activity is also a key item on our agenda and again the Open University has been at the forefront for many years, providing higher education on an international basis.”
Meanwhile, a £5m investment plan is set to create 179 new jobs.
Announcing the jobs boost at the Dungannon-based Linden Foods the Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said:
“This investment is very welcome news for the food industry which is a key contributor to Northern Ireland’s economy. The 179 new production and managerial positions, to be created in Dungannon with support from the Jobs Fund, will generate over £2.5m annually in additional salaries. This is a fantastic boost to the local area, the local community and to the wider Northern Ireland economy.
“Linden Foods has demonstrated a clear desire to continually innovate, maintain its reputation for quality products and retain its focus on growing export sales of its products for the retail sector. Invest Northern Ireland’s support will enable this progressive meat processing firm to recruit its new staff members quickly and capitalise on growth opportunities within the convenience food market.”
Invest Northern Ireland has offered assistance of £520,000 under its Jobs Fund to support the meat processing company’s plans for growth within the food retailing sector.
To date the Jobs Fund has helped create over 2,600 new jobs.