Farming Payrise
CHANGES to pay have been proposed for agricultural workers in Northern Ireland. Following a meeting on 18 January 2013, the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) proposes to increase existing minimum rates for agricultural workers across all grades by 2% from 6 April 2013. The proposed new rates are: Minimum Rate, applicable for the first 40 weeks...
O’Dowd: Vital that young embrace science
NORTHERN Ireland’s economic recovery will depend on a knowledge base with an innovative edge, according to Education Minister John O’Dowd. Speaking at this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2013 he said the importance of young people embracing technology and science could not be overstated. Mr O’Dowd said: “The global economy is now such...
Over 100 jobless get careers off to a good start
THE First Start initiative is paying dividends for long term unemployed young people. Already over 100 18 to 24 year-olds have been helped towards permanent employment by the scheme which provides them with supported waged employment lasting for at least 26 weeks. First Start, which was introduced in November 2012 as part of the Executive’s...
Online tools launched to support disabled students
INNOVATIVE online tools will help students with disabilities maximise their skills and learning opportunities in the further education sector. The new tools include an information resource hub for current and prospective learners and online accessibility guides entitled DisabledGo for each of the six Northern Ireland further education colleges. Speaking at the launch of the tools...
High quality engineering jobs created
An engineering company is to create 30 high quality jobs thanks to a major investment plan. The Craigavon company, JW Kane Precision currently employs 55 staff and manufactures high precision machined components for a number of high profile clients including Bombardier, Thales, BE Aerospace, GE Hamble and Fokker. It is investing £6.57million in a number...
Home Study
OFFICIAL UCAS figures show an increase in the total number of students accepted onto courses at Northern Ireland Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Welcoming the news the Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr. Stephen Farry said: “These figures clearly show that the Executive’s decisions to maintain tuition fees in Northern Ireland at an affordable level, while...
Tellus All About It: Pupils Learn Stem Benefits
A CAREER in science or technology could help today’s young people become the economic influencers of tomorrow. Attending the Schools and Science event Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said innovation, research and development held the key to Northern Ireland’s future prosperity. The minister said: “Research and development in the STEM subjects is one of the key...
Pathways To Success Initiative To Come Up With Some NEET Solutions For Our Jobless Youth
EMPLOYMENT Minister Dr Stephen Farry has welcomed the inaugural meeting of the NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) Advisory Group that has been established to drive forward the implementation of the Executive’s Pathways to Success Strategy. Pathways to Success is designed to help prevent youth unemployment and to fund activities to enable all unemployed...
Older Workers Scheme Brings Almost 60 Jobs
ALMOST 60 jobs have been created thanks to a new scheme to get older people back into employment. The £6m employment initiative Step Ahead 50+ aims to support 1,100 unemployed people aged 50 or over into work over the next three years. Step Ahead 50+ which has been funded by the Executive as part of...
Pizzeria Goes East
TWENTY-five jobs are to be created with the opening of a new pizzeria in east Belfast. Greens Pizza will open a second premises on the Upper Newtownards Road at the end of the month. Business partners Manus McConn and William Clark opened their first restaurant in 1995 on the Lisburn Road, which was highly commended...