Economic prosperity begins with partnership - Empey
9 December 2008
Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today called for businesses, colleges and employment services to work together to help create economic prosperity.
Speaking during a visit to McMullen Architectural Systems in North Carolina, Sir Reg said: “It is essential that, in this tough economic climate, key stakeholders provide the necessary resources to help competitive industries survive and prosper.
“McMullen Architectural Systems, one of our home-grown global companies, has clearly thrived in the North Carolina environment where the Community College System and the Employment and Securities Commission have worked in partnership to supply the services and support required. I believe that this model of business and education collaboration works well to ensure that the skills of the workforce are developed to meet business needs.”
The Minister toured the company as part of a two day visit to North Carolina to see what it has done to attract and retain high quality businesses and industries and how this can be applied back home. He said: “We are learning valuable lessons here from an economy which mirrors our own. North Carolina has rebuilt its economy on education and workforce development and we would do well to follow this example.
“My Department is committed to doing all in its power, and more, to ensure that Northern Ireland has a successful and thriving economy, with a highly skilled workforce, which will take its rightful place on the global stage.”
During his visit, the Minister also met with Elaine Marshall, Secretary of State for North Carolina; Congressman David Price; Martin Rickerd, UK Consul-General out of Atlanta; Dr Scott Ralls, President of the North Carolina Community College and Scott Daugherty, Small Business and Technology Development Centre.
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