Minister relaunches Northern Ireland Skills Council to strengthen skills and economic growth
Date published:
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed members of the Northern Ireland Skills Council to its first full meeting following completion of a review of the Council.
The relaunched Council will adopt a renewed operating model focused on providing strategic advice on key workforce and skills challenges facing Northern Ireland.
Initially, the Council will focus on three priority themes: Digital Skills and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Green Skills, and Future Skills and Advanced Manufacturing , supporting the Department's wider Economic Vision and Sectoral Action Plans. The Council will also strengthen collaboration with Ireland's National Skills Council on shared skills and labour market challenges
Speaking following the meeting the Minister said: “Skills are central to building a more productive, regionally balanced and sustainable economy, creating good jobs and ensuring people have the skills to take up new opportunities.
“The relaunched Skills Council will provide valuable expertise and advice as we respond to changing skills needs, particularly in Digital and AI, green skills and advanced manufacturing.
“I also welcome its growing relationship with Ireland’s National Skills Council, helping us share expertise and collaborate on the challenges and opportunities we have in common.”
Chair of the Northern Ireland Skills Council, Kathleen O'Hare, said: "The relaunch of the Skills Council provides an opportunity to strengthen the connection between skills policy, employer needs and economic development. Council members bring expertise from business, education and industry, and we are committed to using that experience to provide practical, evidence-based advice on the workforce challenges facing Northern Ireland.
“I am particularly pleased that the Council will be taking a thematic approach to its work, focusing initially on Digital Skills and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Green Skills, and Future Skills and Advanced Manufacturing. These are areas of significant opportunity for our economy and where effective collaboration between government, employers and education providers will be essential."
Notes to editors:
1. PHOTO CAPTION: Economy Minister pictured with some members of the Northern Ireland Skills Council.
2. The Northern Ireland Skills Council (NISC) is an independent advisory body on skills policy, bringing together expertise from business, employees, education, government and the third sector. Its role is to provide strategic advice on the development and implementation of skills policy in Northern Ireland.
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