Company withdraws from local training provision

3 March 2008

The Department for Employment and Learning today announced the ending of its training contracts with Carter and Carter Group PLC.

An independent inspection carried out by the Education and Training Inspectorate in January 2008 revealed a number of inadequacies in the delivery of the training provided.  The Department was advised that the assurances required from the Company to continue with the provision could not be given and, following a series of discussions, the contract was ended on 1 March.

The Department is currently arranging for the smooth transition of the young people’s training which will be accommodated by other Training Organisations.  Careers Advisers will interview each of those affected to ensure they understand the position and to reassure them that their training will have as little interruption as possible.

The Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said: “The training we provide for our young people is crucial in establishing a highly skilled, flexible workforce.  We monitor all our training providers closely to ensure that they adhere to very strict guidelines.  It is with regret that we have parted company with Carter and Carter, but our focus now is to guarantee that all the young people affected will be found suitable training alternatives.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Carter and Carter Group PLC was awarded the contract in May 2007 to deliver elements of the ‘Training for Success’ provision across Northern Ireland.
  2. 147 young people are affected, 62 under ‘Training for Success’ and 85 under ‘Jobskills’.
  3. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
  4. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.