Essential skills courses open up opportunities in the work place and increase employability.
That was the message at this year’s annual Essential Skills awards ceremony.
Congratulating the winners, Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry, said: “The success stories of today’ winners serve as an inspiration to anyone wishing to improve their Essential Skills as a way to open up new opportunities, whether at work or in everyday life. Almost 175,000 qualifications in literacy, numeracy and ICT have been achieved since the Strategy was launched in 2002. These figures clearly demonstrate the growing recognition of the importance of sound Essential Skills to the lives of individuals, businesses and the wider economy.”
“I also welcome the increasing number of employers who are offering Essential Skills training in the workplace. Businesses now realise that in order to succeed, they need to invest in their workforce to ensure that it is innovative, enterprising and skilled.”
The learner of the year award went to Paul McDermott from Campsie. Paul enrolled on an Essential Skills course after being forced to re-evaluate his career options after an accident left him unable to return to his job as a car mechanic.
Speaking about his achievements Paul said: “I had a very positive experience at College and gained new skills in ICT, Literacy and Numeracy as well as continuing my studies for a Diploma in Business. My confidence has also improved and I am more aware of how my skills and abilities can be used to enhance my future career options.”
Meanwhile Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed an investment by Dublin-based animation company Jam Media, which will create 40 high quality jobs in Belfast.
The investment, which is supported by Invest Northern Ireland, will see Jam Media establish a 40 person world class production and special effects facility in Belfast. Positions to be created will include high quality senior animators, graduate programmers, management positions and administrative staff. The investment will deliver over £1.4million in salaries into the local economy.
Speaking during a visit to the company’s offices in Belfast, Arlene Foster said: “This is a tremendous boost for the local animation sector and the wider creative industries arena. Jam Media is a highly acclaimed, BAFTA award winning company which has recognised the quality of talent available in Northern Ireland’s animation sector.”
John Rice, CEO of Jam Media said: “The Belfast operation will initially service our portfolio of productions and will also compete for third party productions and stand alone commission work from outside Northern Ireland. We have been really impressed with the people and enthusiasm demonstrated in the local animation sector. We have commenced recruitment and are excited about our investment plans here as we see Belfast as an integral part of our future growth.”