More people than ever before enrolled on Essential Skills courses in the last academic year, according to the Department of Employment and Learning.
Now celebrating its tenth year the £60m Essential Skills campaign has helped transform through improved literacy, numeracy and ITC levels, the employment prospects of over 85,000 Northern Ireland adults.
Commenting on the achievements over the past 10 years, Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry said: “Since the strategy was launched we have invested £60m in this programme and, as a result, 85,000 adults have improved their skills – not just in FE colleges, but in factories and offices and union learning centres across Northern Ireland.
“These figures are a tribute to the efforts of tutors, colleges, employers and trade unions who have shown great dedication to engaging learners and expanding provision in the workplace.
“More than that, they reflect a transformation in the prospects of learners themselves who can now perform more effectively at work and are more likely to gain further qualifications. I firmly believe that lifelong learning is the key to lifelong earning.”
During the most recent academic year, 2011/12, there were almost 60,000 enrolments equating to 22,000 individuals, the highest for any academic year to date. Over the last four years, there has been a 122% increase in enrolments.
The Minister added: “Skills are a crucial element in rebuilding and rebalancing our economy and, if Northern Ireland is to compete in a global economic arena, there must be a concerted, joined up effort to drive up skills on all fronts, including the vital skills of literacy, numeracy and ICT.” From 2012-2015 the Department’s target is to achieve 30,000 Level 2 Essential Skills qualifications with 15,000 projected for 2012/13 and 7,500 in each of the following years.
The Minister concluded by saying: “This strategy has delivered outstanding results over the last 10 years and has exceeded its targets – it is good for individuals and for the economy. Those adults who have taken part now have the skills to do their job better and have a real chance to progress and improve their lives and their career choices.”
To find out more about free Essential Skills courses in your area, contact your local college or visit http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/knowhow for more information.