Empey seeks views on further education proposals

7 November 2007

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today launched two major consultation documents on new policy proposals for the Further Education (FE) sector.

The documents focus on the curriculum offered by FE colleges, including access to college provision and on higher education delivered though FE colleges, including Foundation Degrees.

Contained within the documents are a number of key recommendations which have resulted from a review of policies that are crucial to the implementation of the Department for Employment and Learning’s ‘Further Education Means Business’ strategy.

Affirming his commitment to the vision of a FE sector characterised by world class provision, performance and standards,  Sir Reg said:  “Our strategy for Further Education is central to the skills development, at all levels, of Northern Ireland’s existing and future workforce. I am keen to ensure that the FE sector continues to meet the needs of individual learners as well as contributing to wider social inclusion through learning. The proposals and recommendations contained in these two consultations describe how this vision for the FE sector can be met.

“I would encourage everyone with an interest in Further Education to read about the new proposals and let the Department have their views. A strong and vibrant FE sector will play a key role in achieving Government’s economic vision for Northern Ireland and it is in all our interests to encourage and contribute to this process.”

The consultation papers are available on the Department’s website at http://www.delni.gov.uk/femeansbusinesspolicyproposals external link and http://www.delni.gov.uk/hefepoliciesreview external link .

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The proposed new policies are part of the ongoing implementation of the strategy for Further Education (FE). The strategy follows a major review of Further Education instigated in 2001 by the then Assembly Committee for Employment and Learning’s enquiry into Education and Training for Industry.
  2. The views of the FE sector and the Northern Ireland Higher Education Council have already been taken on board in formulating the policy proposals and this consultation will enable the Department for Employment and Learning to take a wider range of views into consideration. The views of respondents will be taken into account before the proposals will be finalised and implemented.
  3. The consultation papers are available on the Department’s website at http://www.delni.gov.uk/femeansbusinesspolicyproposals external link and http://www.delni.gov.uk/hefepoliciesreview external link . A public advertisement is also being published in three Northern Ireland newspapers with Departmental contacts for those who have enquiries or who wish to respond.
  4. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
  5. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.