FE sector to continue supporting local employers
Funding approved to continue Employer Support Programme within further education (FE) colleges
Employment and Learning Minister, Dr. Stephen Farry, approved funding of £6.9 million for a further four years to continue the Employer Support Programme.
As a result of this funding, the Minister said: “the further education sector will be able to continue to provide a wide range of support for local employers, through sector-wide initiatives and projects, to encourage businesses to engage with, and embrace innovation and sustainability. Further education colleges will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting employers as key drivers of local and regional economic and workforce development.”
This funding stream will ensure the further education sector has the capacity and expertise to deliver the skilled workforce required for the future in collaboration with the business sector. The fund will also increase the role the further education sector has in supporting economic development and developing entrepreneurship.
The Department for Employment and Learning’s Innovation Fund Employer Support Pilot Programme ran from 2008-2011 and provided over £6.6 million funding to the further education sector to support employer engagement.
Source: nibusinessinfo.co.uk
