AQW 14707/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 10/09/2024
Answered On Date: 19/09/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the progress that has been made on the delivery of the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Answer:

The economic vision I set out in February is now featured in the draft Programme for Government. It focuses on good jobs, increasing productivity, improving regional balance and reducing carbon emissions.

I provided an update to the Assembly on my priorities for skills in July, including the creation of a Ring-fenced Skills Fund which will maintain and further develop initiatives that support participation in lifelong learning and skills to drive innovation and productivity. My broader programme of investment in skills will prioritise the expansion of education provision to address skills imbalances across the North.

Significant good work has been delivered under the auspices of the Skills Strategy and its goals and objectives remain central to my skills agenda. However, it is essential that we now recalibrate the delivery programme to align with the refreshed economic vision. Officials are working on a three-year action plan for skills which will set out full details on the way forward.