Workers taking advantage of career development opportunities at Northern Ireland Water have been commended by Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey.

The Minister, presenting awards at NI Water's Essential Skills Learning ceremony earlier this week, said: "This celebration is an excellent example of what can be achieved when all interested parties, employers, unions, training providers and government work together in partnership to deliver the shared goal of investing in and promoting the skills of the workforce."

Around 120 employees have participated in the scheme, supported by the NI Union Learning Fund.

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"Better skills improve the life chances of not only those who learn, but also their families and children. Skills help people get into work and progress up the ladder.

"It is my aim that we continue to encourage more companies to get involved in Essential Skills training so that, together, we can unlock the potential of our workers, our communities and our economic opportunities," added Sir Reg.

NI Water Chief Executive Chris Mellor, Chairman said: "The learning partnership approach was seen not only as an effective solution to support staff affected by these new ways of working, but also an opportunity to upskill all staff.

"At NI Water we see the Lifelong Learning Agreement as a programme that will enhance people's lives," he said.

The Department for Employment and Learning launched its Essential Skills Strategy in 2002 and to date over 39,000 people have achieved a qualification in Maths or English, many of them through training programmes in the workplace.

(PR/JM)