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16/11/2007
Thousands Of Additional Apprenticeships Promised
A UK-wide initiative that is to offer a total of 7.5 million new training places will include some 120,000 new apprenticeships for the under-25s and 30,000 places for older workers.
The scheme sets out to be a major boost for both the construction industry and allied trades and is to be rolled out during the next three years.
There will also be an additional 95,000 places for people who don't have five good GCSEs, to enable them to get those or equivalent vocational qualifications in trade apprenticeships.
The plan also aims to upgrade the skills of the overall workforce including 3.5m basic literacy and numeracy courses.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown made the job promise in high-profile speeches to both the Labour party conference and the TUC conference in September.
Raising the skills of the worst qualified is crucial to the government's Welfare to Work strategy. Billions of pounds have been spent on the various "New Deal" strategies to get people off benefits.
But many claimants are too poorly qualified to be able to get sustainable jobs. Almost half of Jobseeker's Allowance claimants who move into work are back on benefits within six months.
The chief spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Stephen Alambritis said it was the education system that needed to change.
"When recruiting school leavers, over 40% of small businesses report problems with basic, low-level skills - such as literacy and numeracy, and soft skills - such as communication.
"The need for 3.5 million basic skills courses is an acknowledgement that the education system is not performing as it should."
There are also plans to increase the number of places on level three courses - the equivalent of A-levels. They will increase by 310,000 by the end of the decade.
Many of these courses are intended to be part-funded by employers through the "train to gain" initiative.
(BMcC)
The scheme sets out to be a major boost for both the construction industry and allied trades and is to be rolled out during the next three years.
There will also be an additional 95,000 places for people who don't have five good GCSEs, to enable them to get those or equivalent vocational qualifications in trade apprenticeships.
The plan also aims to upgrade the skills of the overall workforce including 3.5m basic literacy and numeracy courses.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown made the job promise in high-profile speeches to both the Labour party conference and the TUC conference in September.
Raising the skills of the worst qualified is crucial to the government's Welfare to Work strategy. Billions of pounds have been spent on the various "New Deal" strategies to get people off benefits.
But many claimants are too poorly qualified to be able to get sustainable jobs. Almost half of Jobseeker's Allowance claimants who move into work are back on benefits within six months.
The chief spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Stephen Alambritis said it was the education system that needed to change.
"When recruiting school leavers, over 40% of small businesses report problems with basic, low-level skills - such as literacy and numeracy, and soft skills - such as communication.
"The need for 3.5 million basic skills courses is an acknowledgement that the education system is not performing as it should."
There are also plans to increase the number of places on level three courses - the equivalent of A-levels. They will increase by 310,000 by the end of the decade.
Many of these courses are intended to be part-funded by employers through the "train to gain" initiative.
(BMcC)
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21 May 2012
6,000 New Places On Springboard 2012
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn and Minister of State for Training and Skills Ciarán Cannon today announced 6,000 new part-time higher education places for unemployed people as part of a further roll out of the Springboard initiative.
6,000 New Places On Springboard 2012
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn and Minister of State for Training and Skills Ciarán Cannon today announced 6,000 new part-time higher education places for unemployed people as part of a further roll out of the Springboard initiative.
03 September 2010
New Graduates 'Lack People Skills'
Those graduating from university in 2011 are failing to show potential employers that they have the interpersonal skills needed to succeed at work, according to research by SHL, a provider of talent assessment solutions in the workplace.
New Graduates 'Lack People Skills'
Those graduating from university in 2011 are failing to show potential employers that they have the interpersonal skills needed to succeed at work, according to research by SHL, a provider of talent assessment solutions in the workplace.
23 March 2009
New Water Apprenticeships Launched
A new employer-led water apprenticeship has been launched in Northern Ireland.
New Water Apprenticeships Launched
A new employer-led water apprenticeship has been launched in Northern Ireland.
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.
16 May 2013
New Courses Announced At Magee Campus
SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has welcomed news that 80 full-time undergraduate places are to be created at the Magee Campus across five new courses. Mr Ramsey said: "I want to welcome the new provision of innovative courses that are now being offered by the University of Ulster at Magee.
New Courses Announced At Magee Campus
SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has welcomed news that 80 full-time undergraduate places are to be created at the Magee Campus across five new courses. Mr Ramsey said: "I want to welcome the new provision of innovative courses that are now being offered by the University of Ulster at Magee.
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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.
