There needs to be a greater emphasis on skills training if Northern Ireland is to have the workforce necessary to help the economy grow in the future.

The newly installed NI Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, has made the call as he launched the new Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland - 'Success through Skills – Transforming Futures'.

Speaking at the annual Skills Conference in W5 at the Odyssey, Belfast, the Alliance Minister spoke about the importance of skills, their impact on the economy and the challenge of matching the skills of the local workforce with the skills local employers need.

"The Skills Strategy outlines my Department's commitment to providing the opportunities for individuals to equip themselves with the skills needed by employers both now and in the future.

"It is clear that there must be a concerted effort to drive up skills on all fronts. Of particular importance is the need to increase the number of people with higher level skills, management and leadership skills and people with skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or 'STEM' [science and technology] subjects."

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The focus of the conference is the need to 'up-skill members' of the existing workforce: "As the economy changes and companies adapt to an increasingly competitive market place, it is vital that employers actively consider the changing skill needs of their workforce.

"With around 80% of the 2020 workforce already in work, my Department is focused on working with local employers to help them equip their employees with the skills they need – both now and for the future," he explained.

The newly launched Skills Strategy advocates the need for employers to invest in the skills of their workforce in order to reap the benefits of improved productivity and profits, increased staff retention, morale and flexibility.

This message was also reinforced by the keynote speaker, Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of the UK Commission on Employment and Skills and Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership.

Mr. Mayfield said: "There is a need for strong business leadership, and a need for business to step up to the skills challenge and engage with government on this key issue."

Representatives from local employers Fluent Technology, Citi, NACCO and Tesco also provided testimonials of the benefits their businesses and employees have experienced as a result of actively investing in the up-skilling of their workforce.

The conference, now in its sixth year, provides an opportunity for leading policy makers, educationalists, training providers, employers and industry representatives to participate in the debate on key issues linking skills development with enhanced productivity and competitiveness.

(GK/BMcC)