Empey stresses the importance Essential Skills learning

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today stressed the importance of Essential Skills in driving forward the skills agenda to combat the difficult economic conditions.

The Minister praised the achievements of the learners at the Essential Skills Awards in Hillsborough Castle, where 27 people received awards for outstanding achievement across a range of categories.

He emphasised the need for government and individuals to commit to skills and training. He said: “Essential Skills are the cornerstones of a dynamic and innovative economy. Since we launched our Essential Skills strategy in 2002, almost 45,000 people have achieved qualifications in English, Maths and ICT. The hard work by everyone involved – tutors, colleges, training organisations, employers, unions and Sector Skills Councils – has transformed the lives and prospects of thousands of adults and their families.”

The Minister continued: “These awards are a fantastic way of acknowledging the enormous commitment to learning by adults of all ages and from all backgrounds. The qualifications they have gained give them so much more than just a certificate. Better skills improve the life chances of not only the learners but also their families. Skills help people get into work, enhance their job prospects, provide a stepping stone to further qualifications and improve their children’s educational attainment.”

Speaking at the event was Northern Ireland’s Adviser on Employment and Skills, Bill McGinnis. He explained that part of his role was to ensure that individuals were properly equipped with the right skills to make a productive contribution to the Northern Ireland economy. He said: “Skills policy could be the key factor which determines how and when the economy recovers and I therefore believe the Department is right in placing Essential Skills at the heart of driving the broader skills agenda forward.”

This is the second year of the Essential Skills Awards which are designed to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in literacy, numeracy and ICT learning. There are six regional award winners, an overall Learner of the year and 17 Highly Commended entries. Three new award categories have been added including ICT Learner of the year, Trade Union Learner of the Year and an Outstanding Contribution to Learning award.

Notes to Editors:

1. The winners were as follows:

County Antrim winner – William Stewart (Learning Organisation – SERC Lisburn)

County Armagh winner – Laura Higgins (Learning Organisation – Clanrye Group)

County Down winner – Bridin Holland (Learning Organisation – SERC)

County Fermanagh winner – Darryl Abraham (Learning Organisation – South West College)

County Londonderry winner – Sarah Saunders (Derry Youth & Community Workshop)

County Tyrone – Adrian Boyle (Learning Organisation – South West College)

Trade Union Learner Winner – Anna Smith (UNISON) (Learning Organisation – Belfast Metropolitan College)

ICT Learner – Jim Connolly (Learning Organisation – South Regional College)

ES Skills Champion- Marie Thompson, LSDA (Learning & Skills Development Agency)

Overall Winner

William Stewart

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