The Committee for Employment and Learning hosted an event, in conjunction with Colleges Northern Ireland, where six of Northern Ireland’s Regional Colleges showcased some of their most innovative training programmes.

The Committee met with a number of young people, including a group of fashion students and the best bricklayer in the world, and were able to learn more about their training experiences and the opportunities provided by local further education colleges.

Speaking after the event, Basil McCrea, Chair of the Committee for Employment and Learning, was keen to emphasise the important contribution made by the FE sector. He noted that with the wide range of training courses available, young people here are given the opportunity to learn important and innovative skills which ultimately make a large contribution to our local economy.

The event also highlighted the fact that as well as providing practical vocational training options, the FE sector also offers foundation degree courses for those wishing to pursue higher education. This offers flexibility and choice across the board and will ultimately help young people to secure better paid jobs in the long term.

If you would like to find out more about today’s event – listen to our audioboo with Basil McCrea MLA, Chair of the Committee for Employment and Learning.

For more information on how you can learn new skills through a college of further edication please visit Colleges Northern Ireland.