Lyons highlights importance of college-based higher education

ECONOMY Minister Gordon Lyons has highlighted the important role further education colleges play in driving Northern Ireland’s economic recovery thr-

ough the delivery of practical higher education courses.

During a visit to Northern Regional College’s Ballymena campus, the Minister met staff and students to hear about some of the exceptional higher education courses available.

Speaking after touring the Advanced Manufacturing Workshop, where students were on hand to demonstrate the technical skills they have developed through their higher education programmes, the Minister said: “The higher education opportunities available at our further education colleges are extensive, linked to employer need and provide opportunities for learners of all ages and all backgrounds to access a variety of pathways that lead to employment and further study.

“I was pleased to witness at first hand the top class facilities on offer at Northern Regional College where students can develop the practical side of their learning. This is valuable experience and builds skills which add to the employability and future prospects of learners.

“As we move into a decade of economic transformation around our 10X Economic Vision, we move into an era that will be defined by the application of technology, data and innovation. I want learners to access qualifications that employers need and want employers to have access to appropriately skilled and qualified learners.

“The number one challenge for businesses continues to be accessing the right skills and talent. Higher education pathways at the further education colleges are helping us to deliver on these ambitions and address this challenge through enhancing the talents of the current and future workforce.”

During his visit the Minister also met a number of students who will be competing in the Industrial Robotics and CNC Milling categories at the national finals of this year’s WorldSkills UK in November, and the UK Team in Industrial Robotics at the International WorldSkills competition in Luxembourg.