Skills and Apprenticeships January 2017

Realising Our Potential: Addressing the Skills Gap in Northern Ireland

In a fiercely competitive global economy, it is essential that Northern Ireland’s workers have the right mix and level of skills. Without skilled workers, Northern Ireland will be unable to attract Foreign Direct Investment, support home-grown businesses or build enough homes for its people.

Yet great uncertainty exists around how we are going to ensure we have those skilled workers. The 2015 Employer Skills Survey showed a growing number of job vacancies linked to skills shortages. Looking forward, large employers’ ability to train workers is likely to be affected by the burden of the upcoming Apprenticeship Levy. With Corporation Tax set to be reduced, and with the challenge of Brexit on the horizon, it has never been more important to ensure that we provide skills training for NI’s workers.

On January 26, Chambré Public Affairs, in association with People Plus NI, will hold a landmark seminar on Apprenticeships and Skills. Chaired by BBC Radio Ulster’s Seamus McKee, the event promises a constructive discussion, within the impressive surroundings of QUB’s Riddel Hall. The influential speaker line-up includes senior Departmental officials, business leaders and training providers.

We hope you’ll take this opportunity to attend, and make a meaningful contribution to the discussion on addressing Northern Ireland’s skills gap.

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