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Skills development crucial says Empey
Northern Ireland Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, has called on trade unions to help encourage Northern Ireland’s workforce to develop world class skills.
Department for Employment and Learning [NI] - 16/04/2008
Speaking at the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NICICTU) Biennial Delegate Conference in Portrush, Sir Reg said: “The development and enhancement of skills is fundamental to the future economic well being of our country and therefore the future of our children and our grandchildren.
“Our productivity, currently only 91.5% of the UK average, needs to be improved. We need to do this through the development and enhancement of skills and I call on employers, trade unions and other stakeholders to help make this a reality.”
Sir Reg went on to highlight the progress made on the “Success through Skills” programme but emphasised that much remains to create the dynamic and innovative economy that Northern Ireland needs.
He also took the opportunity to praise the Trade Union movement for its commitment and help in pursuing the skills agenda with its membership.
Earlier in the day, the Minister delivered the opening address at the National Union of Students - Union of Students in Ireland NUS-USI annual conference in Ballymena. The NUS-USI was established in 1972 under a unique arrangement where both the British and Irish national student unions jointly organised in Northern Ireland to promote student unity across the sectarian divide.
