Findings of Skills Research reports published

28 March 2008

The Department for Employment and Learning today published the findings from two research reports which examine skills issues in Northern Ireland.

The reports are:

1. An Assessment of International Trends in Occupational Forecasting and Skills Research: How does Northern Ireland compare? and

2. Towards a Skills Assessment Framework for Northern Ireland: A Sectoral Performance Approach

These reports will help inform the Northern Ireland Skills Expert Group (NISEG) as it assesses current and future skill needs in the region.

The NISEG comprises relevant experts from the public and private sectors. Its role is to advise government on projected requirements and international opportunities for Northern Ireland and make recommendations as to the steps required to meet identified need.

The reports are available to download from the Department’s website on

1. http://www.delni.gov.uk/occupationalforecastingskillstrends external link and

2. http://www.delni.gov.uk/sectoralperformanceapproachphase2 external link

NOTE TO EDITORS:

1. As part of the Department for Employment and Learning’s (DEL) Research Agenda, Priority Skills Unit (PSU) at the Economic Research Institute of Northern Ireland (ERINI) was commissioned to examine international best practice in identifying priority skills and, within that context, develop a model which would be best suited to Northern Ireland.

2. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.

3. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.