Speaking on behalf of the Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland, Michael McAlister, Principal and Chief Executive of South West College has welcomed the recent announcement that learners on the Training for Success programme can start to return to their work placements:
“The announcement by the Economy Minister that learners on the Training for Success programme will be able to return to their work placements is a really positive development which marks an important step in the economic recovery. After a period of much uncertainty, our learners can once again look forward to returning to their workplaces in a safe and controlled manner.”
“Throughout our colleges, more than 4,000 learners avail of the hugely important and successful ‘Training for Success’ programme. Work placements are vital in developing a range of practical and employability skills. They also provide learners with much needed on the job experience. We need to maximise these opportunities so that our learners can utilise their skills across a range of important sectors.”
“Going forward programmes such as these are going to be vital so that our young people can develop the tools and confidence to find work in an increasingly difficult market.”