Scheme gets firms access to Knowledge

A KNOWLEDGE transfer programmehelping businesses improve their performance is now in it’s third launch phase. 
Launching Connceted 3 the minister for Emploment and Learning, Stephen Farry said: “My decision to approve a third round of Connected to run for the next four years, represents an investment of over £4.5 million and is testament to the excellent work carried out in the past four years.”
Connected is the only Knowledge Transfer programme in the UK to be delivered accross both the Higher and Further Education sectors.The programme helps businesses improve their performance by providing one-stop-shop access to a broad portfolio of knowledge and technology support services.
Mr Farry continued: “Connected 3 will continue to develop a broad and growing portfolio of industrial support networks spanning Queen’s the University of Ulster and all six further education colleges. 
Businesses will now have coordinated access to the full portfolio of expertise represented by all of Northern Ireland’s regional colleges, universities and agricultural institutes – in terms of research, product development, knowledge transfer,  innovation , skills and training.”
Welcoming the minister’s announcement, Gerard Campbell, Chief Executive of colleges and two universities are working together in knowledge transfer to share and scale expertise.”
Meanwhile, an insurance broker is creating 60 new jobs accross it’s branches in Newry, Ballymena, Coleraine, Downpatrick and Enniskillen. The positions at Autoline will bring the total number employed by the firm over 200.