Dr Stephen Farry, Employment and Learning Minister today officially opened the new state-of-the art Belfast Metropolitan Colleg 'e3' (enterprise, employability and economic development) building in West Belfast.

Funded by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) and the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), the e3 facility will enhance the employability skills of its students, stimulate enterprise through business incubation and delivery of innovative business development programmes, and foster enhanced approaches to economic development working closely with community partners.

The Minister said: "The role of the further education sector in addressing the skills needs and engaging with local businesses and industry is central to the development of our local economy. This impressive and highly innovative facility will provide a unique curriculum and learning opportunity for further and higher education and for research and development in North and West Belfast.

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"At no time has it been more important to put economic development at the top of our agenda, particularly in light of current difficult economic conditions.

"Local companies across Northern Ireland are already reaping the benefits of the further education sector’s expertise, whether it be in prototyping and testing new products or ideas, carrying out training needs analyses, offering incubation facilities or developing bespoke training solutions to improve profitability. All of these activities are positive, practical examples of the ‘Further Education (FE) Means Business’ strategy being realised on the ground."

The new multi-million pound 5,000 square metre facility provides industry-standard facilities designed to accommodate up to 500 users on a daily basis, e3 houses specialist zones dedicated to digital media, manufacturing technology, catering, business incubation, SME training and renewable technologies.

(CD)