Colleges Northern Ireland launches
manifesto to drive economic growth
Colleges NI, the representative body
for Northern Ireland’s six Further Education (FE) colleges, today unveiled a
10-point manifesto that calls on the incoming Executive to put skills
development at the heart of the next Programme for Government.
Launched at the Long Gallery in
Stormont, the manifesto outlines ten key policy priorities that would give Colleges
a stronger role in efforts to rebuild and rebalance the economy and increase
the economic competitiveness of Northern Ireland over the next five years.
Prepared ahead of the 2016 Assembly
elections, it aims to support political parties in five key areas that include
growing the economy to create prosperity for all; making better use of existing
resources; strengthening educational partnerships to deliver more informed
career choices, supporting all in society to access learning opportunities; and
promoting skills and partnerships at an international level.
Gerry Campbell, Chief Executive of
Colleges Northern Ireland, said:
“The
next Northern Ireland Assembly election in May 2016 will be hugely important in
shaping our economy and society over the next five years. As a key driver of
the economy, Further Education Colleges are uniquely placed to help build a
solid foundation for economic growth and developing stronger social
cohesion.
“It is timely that we launch the
Colleges NI Manifesto today. In doing so, we wish to highlight and promote the
important economic role that Colleges will continue to play in terms of
economic and skills development. Skills development and growth must be at the
heart of plans to develop and grow our economy.
“Colleges are ready and prepared to
support all of our politicians to maximise the opportunities that will arise as
a result of the reduction in the rate of Corporation Tax and secure new
opportunities to establish a resilient and stable economy.”
Robin Swann MLA, Chair of the
Employment and Learning Committee, said:
“The
establishment of the new Department for the Economy is a ‘game changer’
bringing together Further Education, Higher Education, business and enterprise
engagement teams into a single, focused Department. The Further Education Colleges will continue
to focus on improving the skills of our people and in delivering excellence to
increase the economic competitiveness of Northern Ireland.”
Speaking at the launch of the
manifesto, Glyn Roberts, Chair of Colleges Northern Ireland, said:
“Colleges
are critical cogs in the machinery of the Northern Ireland economy. A vibrant
and flexible FE sector will continue to make a valuable contribution to the
economy and society and to the overall rebuilding and rebalancing of the
economy.
“Growing
a sustainable economy has been the number one priority of the Northern Ireland
Executive in successive Programmes for Government. If we are going to realise
the vision of a prosperous Northern Ireland, one which has opportunities for
people to realise their aspirations, develop their skills and make valuable
contributions to society, then it is crucial that the political parties and the
new Executive continue to support Further Education throughout the next
Assembly term.”
Colleges Northern Ireland is the
sectoral body for Northern Ireland’s six regional Further Education Colleges.
The role of Colleges Northern Ireland is to be the voice of the sector in
advancing and promoting the six Further Education Colleges and in providing an
interface between the Colleges and a wide range of stakeholders including
government, business and industry.