A NEW National Skills Academy has launched in Northern Ireland to service the creative and cultural sectors.
Simon Perryman, executive director, UK Commission for Employment and Skills said the academy would ensure employer-driven services were in place to help boost funding for the sectors.
“The UK Commission for Employment and Skills is pleased to be co-investing in the development of the National Skills Academy for creative and cultural interests in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland,” he said.
“The Academy will bring a new emphasis on tailored support in each nation to ensure the right innovative, employer-driven products and services are in place, enabling employers to increase their investment in training and drive forward the industry’s growth.”
Pauline Tambling, joint CEO, Creative & Cultural Skills and managing director, National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural: “We are excited to be launching the National Skills Academy for these sectors in Northern Ireland, creating more employment opportunities for young people and investing in the professional skills of those working in the creative and cultural sector.
“The response from both our industry and education partners has been enormously positive and we are delighted that Belfast Metropolitan College and North West Regional College have already joined our network as founder colleges.
“One of our first initiatives will be a series of industry-led careers events, hosted by some of our leading venues, to help shape the creative futures of school children interested in a career in music, theatre or design.”
The launch event was hosted by The MAC in Belfast where speakers included Alan Shannon, Permanent Secretary, Department for Employment and Learning, Josie Armitage, senior investment manager, UK Commission for Employment and Skills and Andrea Stark, executive director, Arts Council, England.
Spokespeople from Belfast Metropolitan College and North West Regional College and Oh Yeah Music Centre joined an open discussion to highlight the benefits of their membership to the Skills Academy and its work in Northern Ireland.
Delegates also had the chance to take part in workshops on careers and apprenticeship opportunities available to employers and young people in Northern Ireland.