THE much anticipated publication recently of the Executive’s ‘Skills for a 10X Economy’ sets out a strategic framework for the development of our skills system towards 2030. Structured along three strategic goals, the strategy aims to address skills imbalances in our economy and improve social inclusion and wellbeing across our society.
The six Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland are delighted that the strategy recognises the important role we will play in ensuring its goals are reached by the end of this decade.
Our dual mandate of tackling social inclusion and contributing to economic growth places us in a unique position to implement the strategy’s recommendations which focus on the need to: reconnect people to opportunities; enhance life-long learning; and promote the non-academic pathways to professional and technical qualifications as young people transition from school to third level education.
Over many years, the FE sector has been providing people of all ages with the skills and knowledge to address skills gaps and build a workforce for key emerging sectors such as fintech, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.
We have the capacity, courses, people, and networks with over 9,000 employers, to train and upskill our people to meet the ever-growing demands of the economy and emerging labour markets.
The FE sector is a ‘Skills Engine’, one that can turbo charge the vision to have an economy that works for everyone.
To make this happen, ring-fenced funding must be secured for the Skills Strategy so that it can be implemented in its entirety to unlock our economic potential.
Analysis carried out by the HM Treasury found that public sector spending on education and skills in Northern Ireland has declined by 13 per cent between 2010/11 to 2019/20.
This must change if we are going to respond to the needs of business, grow our skilled workforce and ensure we have a world class economy.
The strategy itself recognises this need by acknowledging that to satisfy the need of growing sectors, continued investment in the Northern Ireland further education sector is required. As the provider of employer-led provision and Higher-Level Apprenticeships, funding will be key to react to sectoral needs as part of the strategy.
The upcoming Assembly election and new Executive gives us an important opportunity to reset our approach to skills in Northern Ireland. An incoming Executive must ensure that the opportunities that the Skills Strategy will offer are not missed.
The Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland is a vital step towards unlocking the economic potential of Northern Ireland. A strong education and skills ecosystem is central to that ambition.
FE Colleges are ready and determined to play our part by delivering the skilled workforce for today and years to come to support a modern, regionally balanced and inclusive economy, one that is fit for the future.
:: Louise Warde Hunter is chief executive and principal of Belfast Metropolitan College
