Menu
21/09/2001
Education conference debates balance between education and skills
An education conference hosted by the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has focused debate on the balancing of academic learning in the classroom with skills and experience in the workplace.
The Annual Conference of the Joint Council for General Qualifications - the theme of which was “Education or Skills – Conflict or Complement” - was attended by Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Sean Farren.
Speaking at Friday’s conference, held in the Europa Hotel, Belfast, he said: “Education is about more than simply teaching or training specific skills and knowledge, but also providing people with the skills that employers want.
“Education and skills lie at the very heart of my department’s aim to promote a culture of lifelong learning and to equip people to work in a modern economy. I believe, that not only is there no conflict between education and skills, but there is a social and economic imperative that they complement each other.
“Through the Programme for Government, the Executive has committed itself to providing high quality education to all, with equal access for all. We are also committed to ensuring that all our young people have the skills and qualifications to gain employment in a modern economy; and to enabling people to update their knowledge, skills and qualifications.”
The Minister added: “It is this equal emphasis on education and skills that can help Northern Ireland to become a knowledge based economy.”
The conference was attended by the Chairs and members of the Governing Bodies, Chief Executives and Senior Officers of all Awarding Bodies of England, Wales and Northern Ireland responsible for general and general vocational qualifications.
The Joint Council for General Qualifications is made up of representatives from the five individual awarding bodies that offer A level, GCSE and AVCE (formerly GNVQ), in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. (AMcE)
The Annual Conference of the Joint Council for General Qualifications - the theme of which was “Education or Skills – Conflict or Complement” - was attended by Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Sean Farren.
Speaking at Friday’s conference, held in the Europa Hotel, Belfast, he said: “Education is about more than simply teaching or training specific skills and knowledge, but also providing people with the skills that employers want.
“Education and skills lie at the very heart of my department’s aim to promote a culture of lifelong learning and to equip people to work in a modern economy. I believe, that not only is there no conflict between education and skills, but there is a social and economic imperative that they complement each other.
“Through the Programme for Government, the Executive has committed itself to providing high quality education to all, with equal access for all. We are also committed to ensuring that all our young people have the skills and qualifications to gain employment in a modern economy; and to enabling people to update their knowledge, skills and qualifications.”
The Minister added: “It is this equal emphasis on education and skills that can help Northern Ireland to become a knowledge based economy.”
The conference was attended by the Chairs and members of the Governing Bodies, Chief Executives and Senior Officers of all Awarding Bodies of England, Wales and Northern Ireland responsible for general and general vocational qualifications.
The Joint Council for General Qualifications is made up of representatives from the five individual awarding bodies that offer A level, GCSE and AVCE (formerly GNVQ), in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 March 2016
Employer Skills Survey Results Published
The results of the 2015 Employer Skills Survey, managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), have been published by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. Minister Farry launched the report at an meeting of business, education and training representatives in Belfast Metropolitan College's Titanic Quarter Campus.
Employer Skills Survey Results Published
The results of the 2015 Employer Skills Survey, managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), have been published by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. Minister Farry launched the report at an meeting of business, education and training representatives in Belfast Metropolitan College's Titanic Quarter Campus.
08 April 2002
Basic Skills Committee praised by Minister
Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna has given the seal of approval to the work of the Basic Skills Committee, set up in 1999 to oversee a programme of work addressing the educational needs of adults.
Basic Skills Committee praised by Minister
Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna has given the seal of approval to the work of the Basic Skills Committee, set up in 1999 to oversee a programme of work addressing the educational needs of adults.
26 September 2003
The New Sector Skills Council For Construction
Charles Clarke, the Secretary for State for Education, has given the green light to the new sector skills council for the construction industry. Known as ConstructionSkills, the new SSC will comprise CITBGB in partnership with CITBNI (Northern Ireland) and CIC (Construction Industry Council).
The New Sector Skills Council For Construction
Charles Clarke, the Secretary for State for Education, has given the green light to the new sector skills council for the construction industry. Known as ConstructionSkills, the new SSC will comprise CITBGB in partnership with CITBNI (Northern Ireland) and CIC (Construction Industry Council).
26 May 2011
Skills Strategy To 'Transform Futures' Says Farry
There needs to be a greater emphasis on skills training if Northern Ireland is to have the workforce necessary to help the economy grow in the future.
Skills Strategy To 'Transform Futures' Says Farry
There needs to be a greater emphasis on skills training if Northern Ireland is to have the workforce necessary to help the economy grow in the future.
17 August 2011
Essential Skills Qualifications 'On A High'
The highest numbers of Essential Skills qualifications ever recorded have been made in NI. The latest statistics show that, in the month of June, they were issued to learners with 6,759 qualifications being recorded, that's the highest number for any month on record.
Essential Skills Qualifications 'On A High'
The highest numbers of Essential Skills qualifications ever recorded have been made in NI. The latest statistics show that, in the month of June, they were issued to learners with 6,759 qualifications being recorded, that's the highest number for any month on record.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
