Adult learning essential to local economy - Empey

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey today presented Essential Skills Certificates to a group of adult learners from South Eastern Regional College.

The learners, all mothers and grandmothers, undertook their courses at Seymour Hill Primary School and Knocknagoney Primary School and cited an interest in their children’s education as a key motivator to get involved in their own learning.

Speaking at the event in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Sir Reg said: “Everyone wants to give their children a good start in life and research shows that encouraging and supporting your children with their homework has a significant impact on how they perform at school. At the same time, being involved in your children’s learning can help parents to improve their own skills levels.”

The Minister congratulated the learners on their achievements and commended the schools for recognising the enormous benefit which these courses can bring to both parents and pupils.

He said: “In today’s fast changing world, one thing is certain – whatever your current level of skills, you will need more in the future. Essential Skills provide the building blocks which enable adults to lead more fulfilling lives and progress to the higher skills levels which are crucial for the Northern Ireland economy.”

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