Press Release

05 November 2008

EDU 01/08/09

EDUCATION COMMITTEE WORKING FOR NORTHERN IRELAND’S FUTURE  

The Committee for Education held a meeting in Ballymena Academy on Wednesday and focused on how our education system is preparing children and young people for their future.

Having heard from local business people, the Committee was made aware of the skills gap that exists and which often results in school leavers entering the workplace ill equipped.

The Committee Chairperson, Mr. Mervyn Storey, MLA said “A core element of education is to prepare children for their future. If workplaces are identifying skills gaps then it is evident that the current education system needs to address this.

While the Committee recognises the great commitment that local businesses have made to the community, I am concerned that some have had to set up training schools to develop basic skills of school leavers. The education system must tackle this and have young people better placed for the world of work.”

The Committee also heard from the North Eastern Area Based Planning Group on their work to date and Ballymena Learning Together which comprises nine local post primary schools who collaborate to enhance learning opportunities in the local area.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

The Committee for Education is committed to holding its meetings in local community settings on a regular basis to encourage stakeholder participation and engagement at a local level.

The Chairperson of the Committee is Mr Mervyn Storey MLA
The Deputy Chairperson is Mr Dominic Bradley MLA

The Committee has a further nine members:
Mrs Mary Bradley MLA
Mr Trevor Lunn MLA
Mr Nelson McCausland MLA
Mr Basil McCrea MLA
Miss Michelle McIlveen MLA
Mr John O’Dowd MLA
Ms Michelle O’Neill MLA
Mr Edwin Poots MLA
Mr Ken Robinson MLA

The Committee has a scrutiny, policy development and consultative role, and advises the Minister of Education directly on the policies of the Department.

Both Wrightbus and Moy Park are members of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust, an educational organization with the aim to advance and encourage business understanding of the Assembly and Assembly Members’ understanding of business through seminars, visits and fellowships.

The Clerk to the Committee is John Simmons
Committee for Education, Rm 242, Parliament Buildings, Belfast BT4 3XX
Tel: 02890521787
Mob: 07900053929
Fax: 02890521371
Email: john.simmons@niassembly.gov.uk

For further information, or to arrange an interview or photo opportunity, please contact:

Ms Stephanie Mallon
Press Office, Room B2, Parliament Buildings, Belfast BT4 3XX
Tel: 02890521953
Fax: 02890521946
Website Address – archive.niassembly.gov.uk
Email – info.office@niassembly.gov.uk