The consultation focuses on how the regulation of vocational qualifications should change to ensure that Northern Ireland keeps pace with the rest of the United Kingdom in this important area.
Contained within the documents are a number of key recommendations which have resulted from a review of policies that are crucial to the implementation of the Department for Employment and Learning’s Further Education Means Business strategy.
Sir Reg said: “Having effective vocational qualifications which are quality assured and regulated is an essential element in the operation of a successful labour market. It is important that vocational qualifications reflect the needs of employers, and that the system is sufficiently flexible to adapt to the changing needs of a modern economy. This is why the proposals would ensure that employers’ views are heard more strongly in the design and development of vocational qualifications.
“These proposals are equally important to the future career aspirations of individual learners, who need to know that they are engaged in learning that will help them to find, and progress within, employment. Learners also need to be confident that the qualifications they achieve are of a high quality, and that they will be valued and recognised by employers and educational establishments across Northern Ireland and beyond.”
Sir Reg encouraged everyone with an interest in qualifications, whether employers, learners, educational institutions or qualification regulators and awarding bodies, to consider the new proposals and to let the Department have their views.
The consultation paper is available on the Department’s website at www.delni.gov.uk/consultation-zone.
Notes to Editors:
- The proposals in the consultation document are part of a wider programme of reform of the vocational qualifications system across the United Kingdom.
- The views of a number of key stakeholders have already been taken into account in formulating the policy proposals, and this consultation will enable the Department to take a wider range of views into consideration. The views of respondents will be taken into account before the proposals are finalised and implemented.
- The consultation document is available on the Department’s website at www.delni.gov.uk. A public advertisement is also being published in three Northern Ireland newspapers with Departmental contacts for those who have enquiries or who wish to respond.
- Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office 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.
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