Delivering success through excellence in training

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today underlined his commitment to providing young people with quality, professional and technical training.

He was speaking at the launch of ‘Training for Success’, the Department for Employment and Learning’s new vocational training provision, which will commence on 3 September 2007 and replaces the current Jobskills programme.

The Minister said: “Equipping our young people with the skills, knowledge and competence to meet the unprecedented economic challenges we currently face is one of my key priorities. Training for Success will be delivered as part of my Department’s Success through Skills Strategy and when it starts later on this year it will focus on quality, flexibility, progression and employment."

“I recognise the importance and challenge of providing training that allows our young people to become job ready and create a workforce that is fully trained, adaptable and equipped to meet the business challenges of the 21^st century.”

‘Training for Success’ will be open to young people aged 16-24 and will offer apprenticeship training at levels 2 and 3. It also includes a number of interventions to assist in the development of job ready skills such as Personal Development, non-NVQ qualifications and employability skills.

Sir Reg continued: “My Department has recently awarded Training for Success delivery contracts to 53 providers throughout Northern Ireland and I am keen to work in partnership with these key stakeholders in shaping the future for our young people and our economy.”

Potential participants and employers can find out more about ‘Training for Success’ by contacting 028 9044 1873 or visiting http:www.trainingforsuccess.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS:

‘Training for Success’ has four underpinning key principles: Quality, Flexibility and Individuality, Emphasis on Employment; and Progression. The new provision will aim to target 16-24 year olds while the flexible menu will allow young people to enter training at an appropriate level and progress to a stage where they can maximise their potential through achievement of qualifications, employment, individual tailored training, personal development and employability skills.
Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.