Northern Ireland’s Department of Employment and Learning has injected £2m into the local economy, according to Minister, Dr Stephen Farry.
He was speaking at the recent Lifelong Learning: linking policy to practice conference in Belfast.
“The European Union Lifelong Learning Programme clearly complements my Department’s overarching strategy, Success through Skills which examines the skills we will need in the future to grow the Northern Ireland economy and highlights areas for action,” he said.
“Skills are widely accepted as the key raw material in the modern knowledge-based economy and will be the key driver if Northern Ireland is to achieve its economic goals.
“This year, Northern Ireland secured £2million funding from the Lifelong Learning Programme which has provided valuable opportunities for local organisations to share and learn from best practice throughout Europe.”
The EU funded Lifelong Learning programme supports a wide range of education and training activities across Europe and provides opportunities for all stages of lifelong learning. The conference, held for the first time in Northern Ireland aims to explore how the programme is supporting the Department for Employment and Learning’s Skills Strategy.
Referring to the learners, trainees and apprentices who have benefited from the project, the Minister concluded: “Participation in European projects and placements exposes learners and employees to exciting new ways of working, helping them to learn from another perspective. Not only does it improve their employability, it helps develop a passion for lifelong learning and continuing professional development.”