Minister explores best practice in North Carolina
28 June 2007
Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, began a seven day trip to North America with a fact finding mission in North Carolina.
The Minister was keen to learn more about how the State encourages workforce and economic development and attracts inward investment. North Carolina has much in common with Northern Ireland and the relationship between the two regions, established over several years, has proved to be of mutual benefit.
Like Northern Ireland, North Carolina’s economy is in a period of transition with their traditional industries of textile and furniture manufacturing and tobacco growing all in decline and the “new age” industries of financial services, pharmaceutical manufacturing and high tech research all on the increase.
During his visit, the Minister met Erskine Bowles, President of North Carolina University and Martin Lancaster, President of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to further explore examples of best practice in the two systems. The NCCCS, in particular, has worked closely with the Department for Employment and Learning in the past few years and has helped to shape many of the Department’s Further Education and Skills policies.
Commenting on his meetings, the Minister said “In order to compete in a global market, Northern Ireland must learn from examples of best practice from around the world. The work being done in North Carolina is an excellent example of how a holistic approach encompassing Further and Higher Education and the business community can raise skills levels and attract inward investment.”
The Minister is also due to meet with key State officials including Secretary of State, Elaine Marshall, Harry Payne Jnr. (Chairman) and David Clegg (Deputy Chairman) of the Employment Securities Commission and representatives of the Department of Commerce, to learn more about how the State encourages inward investment through its support of the Community College Network.
The Minister will then travel to Washington DC to experience the Smithsonian Folklife Festival first hand and speak at the University of Ulster Alumni Reception.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Sir Reg Empey is in North Carolina from 27 - 29 June.
2. During the visit to North Carolina the Minister will meet with:
Erskine Bowles, President, North Carolina University
Martin Lancaster, President, North Carolina Community College System
Randy Parker, President, Vance Granville Community College
Secretary of State, Elaine Marshall
Gene Byrd, Tom White, Tom Crump and Dallas Hardenbrook, North Carolina Department of Commerce
Harry Payne Jnr. and David Clegg, Employment Securities Commission.
3. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
