Menu
09/08/2022
Colleges Key To Driving Economic Recovery
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has highlighted the role further education colleges play in driving Northern Ireland's economic recovery through the delivery of practical higher education courses.
During a visit to Northern Regional College's Ballymena campus, the Minister met staff and students to hear about some of the exceptional higher education courses available.
Speaking after touring the Advanced Manufacturing Workshop where students were on hand to demonstrate the technical skills they have developed through their higher education programmes, the Minister said: "The higher education opportunities available at our further education colleges are extensive, linked to employer need and provide opportunities for learners of all ages and all backgrounds to access a variety of pathways that lead to employment and further study.
"I was pleased to witness at first hand the top class facilities on offer at Northern Regional College where students can develop the practical side of their learning. This is valuable experience and builds skills which add to the employability and future prospects of learners.
"As we move into a decade of economic transformation around our 10X Economic Vision, we move into an era that will be defined by the application of technology, data and innovation. I want learners to access qualifications that employers need and want employers to have access to appropriately skilled and qualified learners.
"The number one challenge for businesses continues to be accessing the right skills and talent. Higher education pathways at the further education colleges are helping us to deliver on these ambitions and address this challenge through enhancing the talents of the current and future workforce."
During his visit the Minister also met a number of students who will be competing in the Industrial Robotics and CNC Milling categories at the national finals of this year's WorldSkills UK in November, and also as part of the UK Team in Industrial Robotics at the International WorldSkills competition in Luxembourg.
The Minister added: "The success of these students in reaching not just the WorldSkills UK finals but also to be representing the UK on the international stage is testament not only to their own personal ability and dedication but also to the practical skills and knowledge taught on Foundation Degrees.
"I congratulate every student on their achievements so far and wish them well in the WorldSkills competition. I would also encourage anyone considering higher education to take a look at the fantastic higher education opportunities available at our local further education colleges."
Commenting on the ministerial visit, Christine Brown, Vice Principal Teaching and Learning at Northern Regional College, said: "It was great to welcome the Minister to Northern Regional College today to highlight the important and valuable contribution being made by the FE sector in Levels 4 and 5 delivery to thousands of students across Northern Ireland. Our further education colleges offer first class opportunities for students to study an array of courses that will provide them with valuable skills and qualifications that will support them into their next step in education or employment.
"As we face an increasing skills gap, the importance of seamless progression from study to career has never been more critical. Courses such as Higher Level Apprenticeships give students key experiences in highly skilled sectors including accountancy, advanced manufacturing and cyber security and we are seeing growing numbers of students go straight into skilled roles with leading employers.
"With the results period fast approaching, today's visit is a timely reminder that a partnership approach is essential to ensuring that students are equipped to make informed decisions in progressing to higher education. We will continue to work with the Minister and his Department to promote provision at Levels 4 and above across the six FE colleges, all of which provide world class experience and opportunities to progress to either further study with university partners or directly into employment."
During a visit to Northern Regional College's Ballymena campus, the Minister met staff and students to hear about some of the exceptional higher education courses available.
Speaking after touring the Advanced Manufacturing Workshop where students were on hand to demonstrate the technical skills they have developed through their higher education programmes, the Minister said: "The higher education opportunities available at our further education colleges are extensive, linked to employer need and provide opportunities for learners of all ages and all backgrounds to access a variety of pathways that lead to employment and further study.
"I was pleased to witness at first hand the top class facilities on offer at Northern Regional College where students can develop the practical side of their learning. This is valuable experience and builds skills which add to the employability and future prospects of learners.
"As we move into a decade of economic transformation around our 10X Economic Vision, we move into an era that will be defined by the application of technology, data and innovation. I want learners to access qualifications that employers need and want employers to have access to appropriately skilled and qualified learners.
"The number one challenge for businesses continues to be accessing the right skills and talent. Higher education pathways at the further education colleges are helping us to deliver on these ambitions and address this challenge through enhancing the talents of the current and future workforce."
During his visit the Minister also met a number of students who will be competing in the Industrial Robotics and CNC Milling categories at the national finals of this year's WorldSkills UK in November, and also as part of the UK Team in Industrial Robotics at the International WorldSkills competition in Luxembourg.
The Minister added: "The success of these students in reaching not just the WorldSkills UK finals but also to be representing the UK on the international stage is testament not only to their own personal ability and dedication but also to the practical skills and knowledge taught on Foundation Degrees.
"I congratulate every student on their achievements so far and wish them well in the WorldSkills competition. I would also encourage anyone considering higher education to take a look at the fantastic higher education opportunities available at our local further education colleges."
Commenting on the ministerial visit, Christine Brown, Vice Principal Teaching and Learning at Northern Regional College, said: "It was great to welcome the Minister to Northern Regional College today to highlight the important and valuable contribution being made by the FE sector in Levels 4 and 5 delivery to thousands of students across Northern Ireland. Our further education colleges offer first class opportunities for students to study an array of courses that will provide them with valuable skills and qualifications that will support them into their next step in education or employment.
"As we face an increasing skills gap, the importance of seamless progression from study to career has never been more critical. Courses such as Higher Level Apprenticeships give students key experiences in highly skilled sectors including accountancy, advanced manufacturing and cyber security and we are seeing growing numbers of students go straight into skilled roles with leading employers.
"With the results period fast approaching, today's visit is a timely reminder that a partnership approach is essential to ensuring that students are equipped to make informed decisions in progressing to higher education. We will continue to work with the Minister and his Department to promote provision at Levels 4 and above across the six FE colleges, all of which provide world class experience and opportunities to progress to either further study with university partners or directly into employment."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 September 2005
NI Further Education Colleges to merge
Northern Ireland's 16 Further Education Colleges will merge into six larger area-based groupings following a review of the sector, it was confirmed on Wednesday.
NI Further Education Colleges to merge
Northern Ireland's 16 Further Education Colleges will merge into six larger area-based groupings following a review of the sector, it was confirmed on Wednesday.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
27 September 2011
Students Win Prestigious Scholarships
A group of local students were celebrating this week when the NI Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry hosted a reception to congratulate the 75 Northern Ireland winners of the All Ireland Scholarship Scheme.
Students Win Prestigious Scholarships
A group of local students were celebrating this week when the NI Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry hosted a reception to congratulate the 75 Northern Ireland winners of the All Ireland Scholarship Scheme.
01 August 2007
NI Further Education Colleges Merge
The 16 further education colleges across Northern Ireland have merged to create six new ‘super colleges’. The merger of the colleges to six area based colleges is the first major aspect of the Government’s FE Means Business strategy to be implemented and will see widespread changes to what further education colleges do and how they do it.
NI Further Education Colleges Merge
The 16 further education colleges across Northern Ireland have merged to create six new ‘super colleges’. The merger of the colleges to six area based colleges is the first major aspect of the Government’s FE Means Business strategy to be implemented and will see widespread changes to what further education colleges do and how they do it.
20 November 2013
Higher Education Contributes £1bn Annually
Northern Ireland's higher education institutions contribute almost £1bn annually to the economy, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
Higher Education Contributes £1bn Annually
Northern Ireland's higher education institutions contribute almost £1bn annually to the economy, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
-
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.
