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Sir Reg sees how engineers can make it happen

2 June 2010

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey today saw the important role played by skilled engineers and technicians at the BBC.

The Minister was visiting Blackstaff House in the fifth of a series of cutting edge workplace visits designed to update teachers and careers advisers on the opportunities and realities of working in engineering.  This enables them to provide students with up to date advice with which to make informed career choices.

Speaking after a tour of the ‘shop floor’ where he witnessed engineering in action, the Minister said: “Achieving the Government’s priority of growing a dynamic and innovative economy relies heavily on an increasing number of people with skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.  It is vital that we start to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers in Northern Ireland.   

“My Department is committed to working with employers to encourage more people to gain economically relevant qualifications in these areas.  Events such as this help provide our teachers and careers advisers with first hand experience of what employers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths are actually looking for in potential employees and what they can offer them in return.

“My Department launched the skills strategy, Success through Skills 2, for public consultation yesterday.  The importance of STEM skills to the future of the Northern Ireland economy is also a key theme in this document.”

Organised by the Learning and Skills Development Agency NI (LSDA NI) and EngineeringUK, the Engineers Make it Happen programme aims to improve the supply of skilled engineers and technicians to meet business and industry’s needs.

Victor Jordan, Northern Ireland Manager, EngineeringUK, commented: “Engineering is key to helping Northern Ireland power out of the recession and forge a prosperous future.  Today’s event at BBC Northern Ireland is designed to ensure teachers and careers advisors have all the information they need to explain the vast range of different engineering careers to their students.”

Maggie Robinson, Development Adviser at LSDA said: “We are very pleased to be delivering this scheme with EngineeringUK.  There is much work to be done to encourage students to take up subjects in science, technology, engineering and maths and go on to work in these fields.  By running events such as these, LSDA aims to make a difference and close the skills gap.”

Notes for editors:

  1. The STEM subjects are:
    • Science
    • Technology
    • Engineering
    • Maths
  2. The Department for Employment and Learning’s Careers Service Northern Ireland offers professional, personal impartial and free information, advice and guidance to people of all ages.  The ultimate aim is to support everyone in their career decision making, leading to informed, appropriate and achievable career choices.  The Careers Service would urge anyone, of whatever age, seeking careers advice, information and guidance to contact their local Careers Resource Centre or Jobs & Benefits Office. Alternatively, log onto www.careersserviceni.com external link or view the employment section on www.nidirect.gov.uk external link
  3. EngineeringUK, formerly the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB), is an independent organisation that promotes the vital contribution of engineers, engineering and technology in our society.  EngineeringUK partners business and industry, government and the wider science and engineering community, producing evidence on the state of engineering, sharing knowledge within engineering and inspiring young people to choose a career in engineering, matching employers’ demands for skills.  More information on EngineeringUK can be obtained at www.EngineeringUK.com external link
  4. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872.  Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.