The event marked the successful completion of an Essential Skills training programme by 120 employees with the support of the NI Union Learning Fund.
Speaking at the event in NI Water’s Learning and Development Training Centre in Antrim, Sir Reg said: “Today’s celebration is an excellent example of what can be achieved when all interested parties, employers, unions, training providers and government work together in partnership to deliver the shared goal of investing in and promoting the skills of the workforce.
“Better skills improve the life chances of not only those who learn, but also their families and children. Skills help people get into work and progress up the ladder. They also provide a stepping stone to yet further qualifications and can help parents play an important role in support of their children’s education.
“It is my aim that we continue to encourage more companies to get involved in Essential Skills training so that, together, we can unlock the potential of our workers, our communities and our economic opportunities.”
Speaking at the event, Chris Mellor, Chairman and Chief Executive of NI Water said: “NI Water had identified IT, numeracy and literacy as areas of importance for staff involved in the introduction of a new Mobile Work Management System. The learning partnership approach was seen not only as an effective solution to support staff affected by these new ways of working, but also an opportunity to upskill all staff. At NI Water we see the Lifelong Learning Agreement as a programme that will enhance people’s lives.”
The Department for Employment and Learning launched its Essential Skills Strategy in 2002 and to date over 39,000 people have achieved a qualification in Maths or English, many of them through training programmes in the workplace.
Notes to Editors:
- On 13 December 2007 NI Water and the Industrial Group of Trade Unions (comprised of UNITE and GMB) signed the Lifelong Learning Agreement to encourage and support a culture of learning and continual personal development by pooling the resources of the Trade Unions and NI Water.
- To date 450 industrial staff have attended key skills assessments to determine the level and type of training that they require. 120 staff have attained a qualification and many more are pursuing further accreditation.
- Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872 or NI Water Press Office on 028 9035 4710. Outside office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
