Lone parents’ vocational achievements recognised at Gingerbread Awards Ceremony

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has congratulated 17 lone parents on their achievements in vocational training.

The Minister was speaking at an awards ceremony hosted by local training provider, Gingerbread, whose return to work projects have helped lone parents find work. The training costs of many of those receiving awards were part funded by the European Social Fund, which is managed by the Department for Employment and Learning.

The Minister said: “The experience you have gained at Gingerbread will be of great help to you in your quest for future employment. Your efforts and your commitment to your chosen course of training have been thoroughly worthwhile and these awards deserve both our recognition and celebration.”

Sir Reg commended the work of Gingerbread saying: “Gingerbread has a long and well-respected track record in helping lone parents into work, dealing with the obstacles and inequalities they face and developing innovative ways of overcoming these.

“The importance of attaining skills and qualifications in the current economic downturn cannot be over estimated. There is considerable long term benefit from skills development for the individual, the economy and society as a whole.”

Speaking of the importance of the funding, the Minister concluded: “The European Social Fund has great relevance in Northern Ireland as it focuses on those most in need of help. It aims to help reduce inequality, build a fairer society and develop a more competitive workforce. These are all key objectives both of my Department and the Executive.”

The ceremony was also attended by the Chair of Gingerbread NI, Martina McCausland and Marie Cavanagh, Director of Gingerbread NI, who compered the event supported by Letitia Fitzpatrick.

Notes to editors:

1. The Gingerbread Training Awards took place on Friday 6 November 2009.
2. The Department for Employment and Learning is the managing authority in NI for the European Commission’s European Social Fund, which is part of the Competitiveness and Employability Programme.
3. The Choices+ project is part- funded by the NI European Social Fund, DEL and by Gingerbread NI and aims to help lone parents into sustainable employment by providing access to training, careers advice and work taster sessions.
4. Pathways for Lone Parents was a pilots initiative developed by Gingerbread NI and funded by DEL during 2007-09 and now offered through Pathways for Lone Parents. This was a specially designed programme for lone parents and consisted of personal development coaching, skills training, childcare, careers guidance, social welfare advice and work placement opportunities with local employers.
5. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 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.