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16/05/2006
NI Adults Benefit From Essential Skills Training
Over 23,000 Northern Ireland's adults are benefiting from the Government’s Essential Skills campaign, it has emerged today.
The campaign, which has been fronted by the ‘Gremlins’ and recently celebrated its third anniversary, has helped participants brush up on their reading, writing and maths skills.
Minister for Employment and Learning, Maria Eagle, today welcomed the success of the campaign.
She said: “For many adults in Northern Ireland, the difficulties they experience with reading, writing and maths are not only an inconvenience, but can often have a severe impact on their quality of life.
“Filling in job applications, getting a driving licence or even taking courses at work, all of which enhance our quality of life and job prospects, can be a challenge to many. This lack of good Essential Skills can prevent people going for promotion at work, managing their finances effectively, or even helping their children with homework.”
The investment into the Essential Skills is not only helping improve the quality of individuals’ lives, it also plays a key role in the Government’s recently unveiled Skills Strategy, which aims to secure the competitiveness of the economy by raising the skills levels of the workforce.
Emphasizing the importance of the Essential Skills campaign to the economy, the Minister said: “We realise the fundamental importance of raising skills levels locally. By improving the levels of reading, writing and maths in the workforce, we are not only enabling employers to unlock the potential of their staff, we are also enabling thousands outside the labour market to take their first steps into employment and out of exclusion and disadvantage.”
The Minister concluded by welcoming the news that so many people had benefited from the programme and managed to "beat their gremlins."
She said: “It is encouraging to see the number of people who have already responded to our campaign. These individuals have taken the first important steps in overcoming the barriers that often prevent people from fulfilling their full potential.”
For more information on the Essential Skills programme, and for details on the free courses available, contact 0800 100 900.
(EF/SP)
The campaign, which has been fronted by the ‘Gremlins’ and recently celebrated its third anniversary, has helped participants brush up on their reading, writing and maths skills.
Minister for Employment and Learning, Maria Eagle, today welcomed the success of the campaign.
She said: “For many adults in Northern Ireland, the difficulties they experience with reading, writing and maths are not only an inconvenience, but can often have a severe impact on their quality of life.
“Filling in job applications, getting a driving licence or even taking courses at work, all of which enhance our quality of life and job prospects, can be a challenge to many. This lack of good Essential Skills can prevent people going for promotion at work, managing their finances effectively, or even helping their children with homework.”
The investment into the Essential Skills is not only helping improve the quality of individuals’ lives, it also plays a key role in the Government’s recently unveiled Skills Strategy, which aims to secure the competitiveness of the economy by raising the skills levels of the workforce.
Emphasizing the importance of the Essential Skills campaign to the economy, the Minister said: “We realise the fundamental importance of raising skills levels locally. By improving the levels of reading, writing and maths in the workforce, we are not only enabling employers to unlock the potential of their staff, we are also enabling thousands outside the labour market to take their first steps into employment and out of exclusion and disadvantage.”
The Minister concluded by welcoming the news that so many people had benefited from the programme and managed to "beat their gremlins."
She said: “It is encouraging to see the number of people who have already responded to our campaign. These individuals have taken the first important steps in overcoming the barriers that often prevent people from fulfilling their full potential.”
For more information on the Essential Skills programme, and for details on the free courses available, contact 0800 100 900.
(EF/SP)
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30 April 2010
Co Antrim Shines At Skills Awards
A Ballymena man has scooped the prestigious title of Northern Ireland Essential Skills Learner of the Year for 2010. Co Antrim's Alastair McCormick clinched the award at the Essential Skills Awards ceremony, which took place in Hillsborough Castle.
Co Antrim Shines At Skills Awards
A Ballymena man has scooped the prestigious title of Northern Ireland Essential Skills Learner of the Year for 2010. Co Antrim's Alastair McCormick clinched the award at the Essential Skills Awards ceremony, which took place in Hillsborough Castle.
05 March 2008
Skills Development And Education Vital To ICT Sector
Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey stressed that skills development, quality education and training was vital to the success of the local ICT sector. The Minister was addressing delegates attending 'One Year On', a conference hosted by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecommunications.
Skills Development And Education Vital To ICT Sector
Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey stressed that skills development, quality education and training was vital to the success of the local ICT sector. The Minister was addressing delegates attending 'One Year On', a conference hosted by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecommunications.
21 August 2013
Farry Reinforces Benefits Of Essential Skills
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has reinforced the benefits of Essential Skills for adults as we prepare for the new term in September.
Farry Reinforces Benefits Of Essential Skills
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has reinforced the benefits of Essential Skills for adults as we prepare for the new term in September.
13 December 2012
Skills Minister Urges Adults To Improve Basic Maths And English For Jobs
In some areas of the country around a quarter of adults have the numeracy skills of a seven to nine year old, or below, according to Skills for Life . Skills for Life examines the maths, English and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) levels of 16-65 year olds across England.
Skills Minister Urges Adults To Improve Basic Maths And English For Jobs
In some areas of the country around a quarter of adults have the numeracy skills of a seven to nine year old, or below, according to Skills for Life . Skills for Life examines the maths, English and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) levels of 16-65 year olds across England.
09 April 2004
Local companies aim to encourage Essential Skills
Recent research has revealed that almost half of the working population in Northern Ireland has poor Essential Skills levels. The lack of Essential Skills – the ability to read, write and speak English and use maths at a level necessary to participate in society and working life – could be costing local employers thousands of pounds each year.
Local companies aim to encourage Essential Skills
Recent research has revealed that almost half of the working population in Northern Ireland has poor Essential Skills levels. The lack of Essential Skills – the ability to read, write and speak English and use maths at a level necessary to participate in society and working life – could be costing local employers thousands of pounds each year.
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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.
