Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald has officially launched a Green Skills Action Plan in Belfast, designed to provide a comprehensive framework for government, employers, and educational institutions in Northern Ireland.

Developed with an industry-led expert working group, the plan outlines the necessary steps to cultivate the skills and jobs required for the transition to a net-zero economy.

Minister Archibald stated that the plan will "equip individuals with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market" and confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Green Skills Delivery Group to ensure the plan remains updated. Gordon Parkes, Executive Director People and Culture for NIE Networks and Chair of the Green Skills Delivery Group, highlighted the immense opportunity, citing research that indicates approximately 105,000 existing green jobs in Northern Ireland, with an additional 58,000 expected over the next ten years. He underscored that access to the right skills and talent will be a major challenge.

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive of the NI Chamber, welcomed the plan, emphasising its crucial role in aligning Northern Ireland's skills pipeline with net-zero targets to capitalise on green growth opportunities. She praised the plan's focus on employer engagement, which is expected to foster stronger collaboration between government, businesses, and educators to ensure a responsive and inclusive skills system aligned with industry needs. The full report is available on the Department's website.