New professional and technical training provision launched
Plans for a new package of Professional and Technical Training Provision, putting the needs of the individual first, were unveiled today.
A consultation on the new proposals, which will replace the existing Jobskills programme, was announced by Employment and Learning Minister, Maria Eagle, during a visit to Bombardier’s Skills Centre at the Interpoint Building in Belfast.
Following a tour of the centre, during which time she met with apprentices on the Jobskills programme, the Minister said: “These new proposals will play a key role in providing the skilled workforce our economy needs to prosper. They will encourage greater involvement from employers in providing our young people and adults with improved skills.
“Bombardier is a good example of positive employer involvement. They provide their apprentices with employment from day one of training and give them the skills necessary to carve out a successful career in engineering.
“This is exactly the model that I want to see as central to the new training provision – a model that provides the young person with employment and training in relevant skills from day one, whilst, at the same time, providing long-term benefits for the employer.”
The proposals aim to provide increased support to young people, through careers guidance, to help them make the correct career choices. Young people will now be able to avail of pre-apprenticeship courses whilst still at school and will then be able to move directly into employment at 16, where they will train for their apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship provision will also be more tailored to the needs of each individual. It will provide the opportunity to move onto foundation degree courses for those who wish to do so. For others, who may have problems finding employment through difficulties in areas such as literacy and numeracy, tailored training will be provided to help the young person overcome these barriers.
Outlining her vision for Professional and Technical Training Provision, the Minister said: “I want all young people to receive the guidance and opportunities that will help them fulfil their potential. Training is no longer a second-rate alternative to academic education and the move to employment from day one reinforces my commitment to providing professional and technical training that leads to long-term career opportunities.
“This provision will give young people professional and technical training that is directly relevant to the world of work.
“It will provide employers with the long-term benefit of a workforce trained to meet their requirements.
“Finally, it will provide the economy with a generation of young people who will be given the support they require to succeed and will help us avoid wasting our talent.”
The consultation period runs until 22 September 2006. The consultation document can be found at www.delni.gov.uk/trainingforsuccess
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1.The Consultation paper will seek the views and opinions of all interested parties, on the Department’s proposals for a new Professional and Technical Training provision (formerly referred to as Vocational).
2.The new Professional and Technical Training Provision will replace the Jobskills Programme, which has been the Department’s primary vocational training programme for young people aged 16-24 for over 10 years. Currently there are over 12,680 young people engaged in training in a wide range of vocational areas with over 70 training providers in Northern Ireland.
3.The paper sets out how the Department proposes to take forward its commitments under the Skills Strategy in relation to the reconfiguration of Training and Adult Skills.
4. The primary purpose of the reconfiguration of training is to ensure that the focus is firmly on unlocking the talent and potential of individual young people and presenting them with a tailored career plan that highlights the milestones necessary for them to progress into the world of work.
5. Consultees are invited to respond until the closing date of 22September 2006. Responses will be analysed and published on the Department’s website. Following the analysis, decisions will be taken on the way forward and announced prior to the tendering process which will commence in Autumn 2006.
6. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872
