Minister Ritchie visits Women’s Tec

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has visited Women’s Tec to see at first hand the work being provided to train women in non-traditional skills.

Women’s Tec provides training, support and advice to enable women, who are socially and economically disadvantaged, to get into employment in areas of construction and IT.

The Minister called in on training classes and met some of the students completing the programmes provided. She said: “I very much welcome the opportunity to meet the staff and students at Women’s Tec. They are an active organisation who are making a real difference to their community in North Belfast.

“It has been a pleasure for me to meet women who are learning new skills, enhancing their employment prospects and making plans to secure the best possible future for themselves and their families.

“Neighbourhood Renewal is about tackling the root causes of disadvantage that affect the life chances of many people. It is also about joining up the Government’s response in meeting those needs. Women’s Tec is a good example of how that can work in practice.”

This project is supported through the Department for Social Development’s Neighbourhood Renewal funding in partnership with the Department of Employment and Learning and European Structural Funds.

Notes to Editors:

1. DSD has contributed Neighbourhood Renewal funding of £204,000 towards total project costs of £582,000.
2. For media enquiries contact DSD Information Office on (028) 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.