Lifelong learning programme injects £2million to Northern Ireland economy – Farry

Lifelong learning programme injects £2million to Northern Ireland economy – Farry

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, officially opened the Lifelong Learning: linking policy to practice conference in Belfast today.

Addressing delegates at the Stormont Hotel, the Minister said:

"The European Union Lifelong Learning Programme clearly complements my Department's overarching strategy, Success through Skills which examines the skills we will need in the future to grow the Northern Ireland economy and highlights areas for action. Skills are widely accepted as the key raw material in the modern knowledge-based economy and will be the key driver if Northern Ireland is to achieve its economic goals.

This year, Northern Ireland secured £2million funding from the Lifelong Learning Programme which has provided valuable opportunities for local organisations to share and learn from best practice throughout Europe."

The EU funded Lifelong Learning programme supports a wide range of education and training activities across Europe and provides opportunities for all stages of lifelong learning. The conference, held for the first time in Northern Ireland aims to explore how the programme is supporting the Department for Employment and Learning’s Skills Strategy.

Referring to the learners, trainees and apprentices who have benefited from the project, the Minister concluded:

"Participation in European projects and placements exposes learners and employees to exciting new ways of working, helping them to learn from another perspective. Not only does it improve their employability, it helps develop a passion for lifelong learning and continuing professional development."

The Minister also met representatives from Ecorys, the UK Lifelong Learning Programme National Agency for Leonardo (training and skills), Grundtvig (adult education) and Transversal (study visits) opportunities. 

Dr Stephen Farry MLA (centre) with (from left to right) Althea Warner, DFE, Michael Gould, DELNI, Simon Williams, British Council and Kursat Levent Egriboz, Ecorys.

Notes to editors:

1. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7466. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
2. The Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) Funded by the European Commission, the LLP supports a wide range of education and training activities across Europe and provides opportunities for all stages of lifelong learning. LLP funding is available to a wide range of organisations including schools, colleges, universities, SMEs, trade unions, business groups, local authorities and civil society organisations. For further information please email Rebecca Fothergill (rebecca.fothergill@uk.ecorys.com) or visit www.lifelonglearningprogramme.org.uk.