Some of Northern Ireland's most recognised training schemes are to be cut, the Government announced today.

The Worktrack programme, which provides 26 weeks of work based training is to be scrapped, while there are to be cuts to Learndirect, an online learning scheme, as well as cuts to specialist IT and management training schemes.

Employment and Learning Minister Barry Gardiner said the cuts were necessary because of a lack of money and Northern Ireland's "ever changing economic environment".

The Minister said today's decision reflected Ministerial decisions contained in the government’s 2005-2008 Priorities and Budget plans, currently out for consultation.

He also indicated that while there would be continued real growth in public expenditure, Ministers had to prioritise spending to best achieve the Government’s objectives.

Announcing the cutbacks he said: "We must place a priority on improving skills across the economy through both further and higher education,” Mr Gardiner said. “That means reducing funding in other areas. In addition to the closure of the Worktrack programme, there are proposals for reductions in Management Development, Enterprise Ulster expenditure, and the Ufi/Learndirect programme."

The Minister said that the programmes were relevant to the economic and employment climate when they were established, and had played a significant role, but the situation has changed radically.

He added: "Unemployment in Northern Ireland is currently at its lowest level and resources are still available to assist unemployed people, as well as those who are economically inactive to find work through New Deal.

"Combined with a continuing focus on the provision of appropriate qualifications and training within the higher and further education sectors, these initiatives will underpin the economic vision for developing the Northern Ireland economy."

The Minister also confirmed that officials would be discussing the impact of the closure with providers involved in delivering the programmes.

(MB/SP)