Training for Success learners allowed to return to work placements

  • Economy Minister Diane Dodds has announced that learners on the Training for Success programme can start to return to their work placements.

    The return of trainees to workplaces is phased and is in line with the wider re-opening of specific sectors of the economy.

    Minister Dodds said: “We have almost 4,000 learners on the Training for Success programme and I have been keen to get them back learning, safely, in their work placement environments.

    “Work placements are central to Training for Success. They allow young people to develop the key practical skills they need to complete their course of learning. In turn, participants are more employable and we enhance the supply of skills to support the economy in important sectors such as health and social care, engineering and construction."

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    On 5 June the Minister established an advisory and oversight group to help prepare for the safe resumption of onsite delivery of vocational learning.

    The group has been working collaboratively with both the further education and non-statutory sectors to prepare for a safe resumption of onsite provision and related activity at campuses and training centres.

    This move follows the partial re-opening on 15 June of further education colleges and work-based-learning providers to support delivery of vocational qualifications.

    Speaking on behalf of the Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland, Michael McAlister, chief executive of South West College said:

    “The announcement by the Economy Minister that learners on the Training for Success programme will be able to return to their work placements is a really positive development which marks an important step in the economic recovery. After a period of much uncertainty, our learners can once again look forward to returning to their workplaces in a safe and controlled manner.

    “Throughout our colleges, more than 4,000 learners avail of the hugely important and successful ‘Training for Success’ programme. Work placements are vital in developing a range of practical and employability skills. They also provide learners with much needed on the job experience. We need to maximise these opportunities so that our learners can utilise their skills across a range of important sectors.

    “Going forward programmes such as these are going to be vital so that our young people can develop the tools and confidence to find work in an increasingly difficult market.” 

    Source: Written from press release

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