World class workforce for worldwide businesses - Empey

Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today met the US Special Economic Envoy, Declan Kelly, to outline plans for providing a suitably skilled workforce for businesses.

The meeting, during which a range of issues were discussed, focused on the joint working approach with Invest NI, to ensure that both existing firms wishing to expand and potential new inward investors, have access to appropriately skilled people to meet their needs. Sir Reg announced the pilot of this programme, ‘Assured Skills’, last month in the Assembly.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said: "This was a very productive meeting where we discussed how collaborative working between my Department, Invest NI, our universities and colleges can provide a workforce which can meet industry’s requirements. This co-operative working between Departments and government agencies clearly demonstrates that Northern Ireland is eager to do business and is attractive to potential inward investors.

"The development of the skills of our workforce is essential if we are going to establish a dynamic, innovative economy, and our further and higher education system is ready, willing and able to help deliver this."

Notes to editors:

1. All media enquiries should be directed to Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on telephone 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.