SKIILLS are the key raw material in the modern knowledge-based economy and are a key driver in how Northern Ireland will achieve its economic goals, according to Minister for Employment and Learning Stephen Farry.
He was speaking at a recent event to encourage local employers and academia to further strengthen international skills links. The minister addressed a 20-strong delegation of representatives from United States businesses and academia, at Belfast Metropolitan College’s E3 campus.
The event was organised by the Department for Employment and Learning, in conjunction with the US Consulate General Office, and was part of a two-day visit to Belfast undertaken by the delegation from the US.
“I am delighted that this delegation from the US chose to come to Northern Ireland and that we were able to demonstrate our high skill levels and training, especially in STEM areas,” Mr Farry said.
“This visit is a follow up from my skills mission to the US last October, when I held a series of high-level meetings with senior representatives from companies in New York, Washington DC and Chicago, who are considering Northern Ireland as an investment location. I am confident that the links established today can be further strengthened in the coming weeks and months to mutual benefit. We can both learn from each other.
“There is also great potential to link up with our colleagues in the United States in secondary education, further education, higher education and with possible placements, summer camps and apprentice exchanges.
“Skills are widely accepted as the key raw material in the modern knowledge-based economy, and are a key driver in how we achieve our economic goals. This is why I recently launched a new ‘Skills to Succeed’ campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of skills and qualifications for individuals, employers and the economy.”
The delegation also heard presentations from various local businesses, employer representatives, colleges and universities regarding outstanding contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in Northern Ireland.
Education Minister John O’Dowd, who was also in attendance, said: “The importance of STEM in today’s world cannot be overstated; it is embedded in our everyday lives.”
Meanwhile, a new order will mean that payments and awards made to workers in employment rights cases are set to rise in line with inflation.
The order, made by the Department for Employment and Learning came into operation yesterday.
Minister Farry said: “The increased limits relate to a range of employment rights, including statutory redundancy payments; the basic and compensatory awards for unfair dismissal; the limit on guarantee payments made when employees are not provided with work; and the minimum basic award for unfair dismissal in health and safety and certain other cases.”