Employers in the Lifelong Learning sector will now have a stronger say in the development of their workforce.
The sector, which covers further education, higher education, work-based learning, community-based learning and development, youth work, libraries, archives and other information services, will benefit from the creation of its own sector skills council - Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK). The council will take the lead in assessing skills needs and working towards the development of a highly skilled workforce within the sector.
Launching LLUK in Northern Ireland at Stormont, Minister for Employment and Learning, Angela Smith, welcomed the work of Sector Skills Councils and said: "LLUK will work towards determining what skills are needed in the workforce and will collaborate with stakeholders to see how those needs will be met. This process is fundamental in ensuring skills needs are effectively addressed."
LLUK is part of the developing UK wide Skills for Business Network which, when complete, will incorporate 25 Sector Skills Councils. They will all be tasked with engaging employers in the identification and promotion of the skills needed in our workplaces.
Highlighting the importance of the Lifelong Learning Sector, the Minister added: "All Sector Skills Councils will play a vital role in developing highly skilled employees within their own sector, however the impact of LLUK is of particular significance. They have the potential to impact on employers and workforces in other sectors, who will undoubtedly look to this Skills Council for the standards and qualifications of the people who deliver learning to their own workforces."
The launch took place in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, in front of a range of representatives from the education and training sector.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Lifelong Learning UK Sector Skills Council (SSC) was licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills to operate on a UK wide basis in January 2005, following submission of its aims for each UK nation including Northern Ireland.
The SSC has a remit to develop the skills of those who deliver, and support the delivery, of lifelong learning including higher education, further education, work-based learning, community-based learning and development, youth work, libraries, archives and other information services.
Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
