Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has hailed the success of the 'Step Up' training programme, which has enabled almost 50,000 people across Northern Ireland to access funded training and support through further education colleges and higher education institutions.

The Minister recently visited Southern Regional College in Newry to meet individuals who have benefited from a range of funded opportunities offered by the programme. These include courses aimed at confidence building, improving numeracy and literacy, as well as vocational training in sectors such as hair and beauty, childcare, and construction. Dr Archibald said: "Step Up has been very successful in enabling people who were not in employment, education or training, or who were economically excluded, to access fully funded training right across the north."

She highlighted the impact on participants: "Participants have gained new skills and, in doing so, have returned to the world of training and work while greatly enhancing their employment prospects."

"I congratulate all participants and their mentors on their hard work and wish them the very best for their future learning and employment paths," the Minister concluded.

Further information on the Step Up programme is available on the nidirect website.