Minister launches an 'Essential' Award for learners

21 January 2008

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today launched new awards for those who have excelled through Essential Skills achievement.

The awards will celebrate the successes of individuals who have embarked on Essential Skills courses to help them overcome literacy and numeracy difficulties in the face of increased pressures in today’s society.

Research has indicated that Essential Skills training is not only good for personal development, but also improves quality of life and brings about improved employment opportunities for individuals.  The awards are intended to showcase the Department for Employment and Learning’s free Essential Skills provision.  To date over 31,000 Essential Skills qualifications have been achieved in Northern Ireland since the strategy commenced in 2002.

Speaking at the launch, Sir Reg said: “These awards are an excellent opportunity for the Department to recognise the achievements of adult learners and to commend them for taking steps to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.  There are many reasons for returning to education and aside from the educational gain, learning can bring a new found confidence to individuals as well as enhancing their lives and that of their family.”

The Awards will be presented at a ceremony in April 2008 and will recognise those individuals who have excelled in Essential Skills training in each county area.  The closing date for receipt of applications is 18 February 2008 and further information can be obtained by visiting www.delni.gov.uk/essentialskillsawards2008.

Sir Reg continued: “I want to encourage all Essential Skills tutors to nominate those individuals who have achieved significant success through this important training.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The application forms and entry requirements can be obtained by logging on to www.delni.gov.uk/essentialskillsawards2008 or alternatively please email catherine.millar@delni.gov.uk for an application form or telephone 028 90 257474 for any query on the entry process.
  2. The Awards event will take place on Thursday 3 April 2008 in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
  3. There will be six awards presented, one in each of the college regions with an additional ‘overall’ Essential Skills Award being presented.
  4. Anyone interested in signing up for FREE Essential Skills courses in their area can contact  the freephone number 0800 660 800 or text “Press” to 60900.
  5. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
  6. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned