AQW 16134/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 10/03/2021
Answered On Date: 24/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) when she expects the 100 people supported by her Department in obtaining an export and trade qualification to complete their studies; (ii) to detail the number that have committed to working in Northern Ireland on the completion of their course; and (iii) whether there are positions available when their studies are completed.

Answer:

I am pleased to say that approximately 120 students will be supported to undertake this qualification before the end of the year. The first cohort of this course, comprising 40 students (20 from South Eastern Regional College and 20 from North West Regional College), commenced their studies on 8 February 2021and will complete the qualification by the end of May 2021. A second cohort of 40 will commence training on the 28th April, with an expected completion of qualification in August. The colleges have advised that all of those completing the course are, or will be, working in Northern Ireland; none have indicated they intend to work elsewhere. The majority of the students are working in an environment where the qualification will be of benefit to them, a few who are not currently employed have experience working in this field and there are a number of students seeking to move into a career in Export & Trade. In recent job advertisements, there have been opportunities in the areas of Customs Administrative Assistant, Customs Compliance Manager and Freight Co-ordinator jobs. Both NWRC and SERC have a strong working relationship with the Institute of Export (IOE), which has a job board and is involved with organisations recruiting customs and trade personnel. The college cannot guarantee a job, however students are directed to vacancies through the IOE job board.