Time for Action on Up skilling, says Adult Learning Organisation
11 Apr 2008 04:28 PM
Berni Brady, AONTAS Director today called on the Minister for Lifelong Learning, Séan Haughey to take serious action on the issue of upskilling for employment. Earlier today the Minister addressed the National Information Technology Training Conference hosted by the Irish Computer Society.
'The targets outlined in the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs Report are ambitious' she commented. 'For example, by 2020, the report recommends that 500,000 members of the workforce will need to be upskilled by at least one NFQ level. Back in February the Minister announced the establishment of an Interdepartmental Committee to oversee implementation of the strategy. Earlier this week he indicated that the Committee will meet for the first time later this month. We are still waiting to find out who will sit on the Committee, apart from the Minister.'
Fine Gael today issued a strong warning that some 150,000 workers in the residential construction industry face an uncertain future with the downturn in the housing market.
Ms Brady continued, 'The live register is now at its highest point for nine years and it is low skilled, low paid workers who stand to lose as unemployment figures rise. Earlier this week Micheal Martin, Minster for Enterprise Trade and Employment announced the creation of 140 new jobs in Longford, which will attract 'high skilled' and 'high calibre' workers. Creating a highly skilled, high calibre workforce means investing in people', she concluded.
ENDS
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Note to Editor:
1. AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation. AONTAS is a non-government membership organisation, established in 1969. The organisation's mission is to ensure that every adult in Ireland has access to appropriate and affordable learning opportunities throughout their lives, thus enabling them to contribute to and participate in the economic, social, civic and cultural development of Irish society. AONTAS is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. AONTAS represents over 600 members, ranging from statutory providers of adult education, such as VECs and third level institutions, to voluntary providers of community education, to individual adult learners and those with a general interest in adult education. The role of AONTAS is to work towards improving the adult education sector in Ireland through policy development, promoting the benefits of adult education and research.
2. The National Framework of Qualifications identifies ten levels which incorporates awards made for all kinds of learning wherever it is gained. The framework allows learners to plan their education and training and assists employers to identify the skills they require.
