Emergency Financial Package needed immediately if NI Executive delay reopening date for traditional non-food pubs

Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster

Hospitality Ulster has given a stark warning that the NI Executive must take on the financial burden if it decides to keep traditional non-food serving pubs closed at its next meeting later this week.  

As fears grow that the start of the September indicative date may not be met for reopening, Hospitality Ulster has directly asked Ministers to make the right call and bring forward financial support for those they may keep closed, despite the rest of the sector being able to open its doors some two months ago.

Traditional pub owners remain baffled as to why pubs that serve food under guidance can open, but that those who don’t serve meals have to shut without any reason or importantly financial support.

Hospitality Ulster has said that this has gone on far too long with many haemorrhaging around a thousand pounds per week without any money coming in or support from the government.

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said today:

“Our traditional pubs have now been closed longer than most businesses and two months longer than their counterparts in our hotels, restaurants and food pubs. Two months without any additional financial support, two months with outgoing bills costing around £1000 per week for an average pub, with no income at all.”

“A significant proportion of the hospitality industry is already open and the vast majority of them have taken every step possible to reduce the spread of the virus. Indeed, we are unaware of any spike caused by these premises- reinforcing the evidence that our industry, including out traditional pubs, can operate safely.”

“The vast majority of traditional non-food pubs consist of small family run businesses which have served their communities for generations. These are not wealthy people, they do not have access to financial reserves, but they are hardworking and only want to be given that same opportunity as the rest of the industry.”

“Delaying the reopening date again will rip the heart from their chests and remove what little hope they still have.”

“We are calling on the Executive to let them reopen and individually demonstrate that they can operate safely. As stated before, we also want to see an increase in the powers of enforcement to tackle the rogue premises, and in so doing reward people who have done the right thing at an already considerable personal cost.”

“If the NI Executive decides that our traditional non-food pubs must make a sacrifice for the good of wider community, then they must recognise that sacrifice and immediately step in with financial support until they are allowed to reopen and earn a living. Or an entire sector will be wiped out and good, decent hardworking people will lose everything.”

Statement from FE Colleges following Economy Minister's visit to South Eastern Regional College

Economy Minister Diane Dodds pictured with SERC Principal and Chief Executive Ken Webb and Heather McKee, Head of Strategic Planning, Quality and Support at SERC

Speaking on behalf of the Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland, Ken Webb, Chairperson of the College Principals’ Group said:

“We welcome the really positive findings from the independent report which was commissioned by Department for the Economy. These findings are unsurprising and highlight the vital role which our FE Colleges play in effectively meeting the current and emerging educational and training needs of the economy, of young people entering the labour market and of those already in the workforce.

“All our FE colleges are now open for enrolments and we would encourage new learners to consider a learning experience in one of our 30 local campuses throughout Northern Ireland. Our teams are on hand to provide the necessary advice and guidance.

“Over the past number of months, we have been working intensively to develop new delivery models which will ensure learners can return to campus in a phased, safe, agile and flexible way. These delivery models will be reflective of the different courses on offer, the diverse cohort, and individual needs of learners across Northern Ireland.

“We recognise that some may be apprehensive about returning to college but as Principals’ our absolute priority is the health and wellbeing of all our learners and staff, and we are committed to following all guidance in this regard.”

IGNITE DOCUMENTARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

A joint initiative of Cork International Film Festival & Docs Ireland, Belfast, supported by TG4, the Arts Council of Ireland, Screen Skills Ireland and Arts & Business NI

‘IGNITE’ is a pilot bilingual talent development programme directed towards emerging Irish and Northern Irish documentary filmmakers embarking on their first or second non-fiction feature film.

Created in collaboration between Cork International Film Festival (Ireland’s first and largest film festival and destination for cinematic documentary) and Docs Ireland (the all-Ireland documentary festival from Belfast Film Festival), this cross-border partnership will foster a new generation of documentary filmmakers from the north and south of Ireland.

Feature documentary in Ireland has developed exponentially over the past decade, with countless award-winning non-fiction films gaining traction and being showcased both nationally, and on an international level; through festivals, cinema releases, television broadcast and VOD. The aim of Ignite will be to aid in the long term sustainable growth and artistry of talent in the Irish documentary film community, through training and skills development, mentorship and drawing from the resources and expertise of both festivals.

Commenting on the announcement of this new collaborative talent development initiative, Cork International Film Festival Director and CEO, Fiona Clark, stated:

“We believe that the timing is right to begin this homegrown documentary talent incubator, as there is a huge amount of talent emerging in Ireland, who need a structural resource and training ground to help them understand their potential and gain the confidence to seriously pursue a career in documentary film.”

Docs Ireland Festival Director Michelle Devlin said of the new partnership with Cork Film Festival:

“Our Festivals are uniquely placed to deliver a meaningful new professional development programme; in terms of geographical location on the island, the corresponding dates of both festivals, the knowledge base and expertise within both festival teams of the documentary film industry, and the strong, high calibre industry connections of both festivals, not to mention the vital need to strengthen creative and filmic cross border relations between the north and south of Ireland in the wake of Brexit.”  

The scheme will be project-led, and will support the progression of the selected projects and their teams, through training that will focus on the development process of documentary, from inception to exhibition. The scheme will foster a new generation of non-fiction creative documentary talent from all over Ireland to pursue their first or second feature, and to provide them with a platform to develop the spectrum of skills and knowledge required to succeed as a feature documentary filmmaker on an international level.

During this comprehensive training initiative, participants will gain a grounding in all facets of developing their project, and will acquire market knowledge of the documentary industry, learning about the current trends in non-fiction film production, and giving them an expansive understanding of the sector. The programme will include workshops, masterclasses, and in person conversations with established documentarians, broadcasters, funders, sales agents, and other industry professionals. All training will take place in an intimate environment, which will allow a hands-on approach; facilitating maximum learning potential and the opportunity to network and foster new relationships.

The programme will provide a long-term engagement, comprising:                                                                            
-  Training days of workshops at Cork International Film Festival in November 2020, and Docs Ireland in June 2021.                                                                                                          
-  An out-of-festival training event in early Spring 2021.                                                                                           
-  The opportunity to attend a leading International Documentary Film Festival.

Deadline for applications is Friday September 25th. Successful projects will be announced in early October.

The Ignite Documentary Talent Development programme is supported by TG4, the Arts Council of Ireland, Screen Skills Ireland and Arts & Business NI.

For further information, and to apply, please visit corkfilmfest.org/ignite/ or belfastfilmfestival.org/docs-ireland/ignite

Further information on Cork International Film Festival & Docs Ireland:                         

CORK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL       

Cork International Film Festival is Ireland’s first and largest film festival and celebrates its 65th anniversary edition this November 4th - 15th. The Festival is proudly supported by principal funder the Arts Council, alongside Cork City Council, Screen Ireland, Creative Europe MEDIA, Cork County Council, Screen Skills Ireland, Culture Ireland, Creative Ireland, Rethink Ireland, ESB Energy for Generations Fund and the Gate Cinemas. Principal Media Partner is RTÉ and Media Partners are the Irish Examiner and Red FM.

Doc Day at Cork International Film Festival is the festival’s flagship industry event, and seeks to inform, inspire and connect established and emerging non-fiction directors, producers and writers with international producers, directors, programmers, sales agents, distributors and film sector leaders to further understand and develop opportunities in the documentary landscape.

For full details, visit corkfilmfest.org

DOCS IRELAND 

Docs Ireland is an industry focussed, all Ireland International Documentary Festival which will be held annually. The first edition was held in June 2019 and was proudly supported by principal funder NI Screen, alongside TG4, BBCNI, Arts & Business NI, Screen Ireland, Belfast City Council, Film Hub NI, Tourism Ireland, Department for Communities, and the British Council.

In its first year Docs Ireland successfully attracted over 5,500 people from Ireland, the UK, Europe, Canada and North America including leading members of the international documentary industry..

The festival offered opportunities for business development in the area of documentary production through its Doc Market -  Ireland’s first ever documentary film marketplace, and a new talent day which was held in partnership with BFI Docs Society. In 2019 Docs Ireland awarded monetary prizes for the best new Irish Feature (Gaza) best Irish Short Doc (Strong at the Broken Places) and the international Maysles Brothers observational doc award (Island).                           

For full details, visit belfastfilmfestival.org/docs-ireland

Engage and ARK launch market-leading recruitment partnership

Patrick Minne, Director, Engage Executive Talent

Northern Ireland’s leading third sector recruitment agency Engage Executive Talent has partnered with ARK Consultancy to create a radically new and unique talent recruitment service for Northern Ireland’s housing associations. 

Engage Executive Talent is the recruitment arm of CO3, the membership body for third sector leaders in Northern Ireland, and has to date helped more than 80 third and public sector organisations recruit chief executives, senior management team members, board chairs, trustees, and interim executives.

ARK is a specialist housing consultancy providing strategic support, bespoke consultancy, interim resources, recruitment and training and development services across the UK for housing associations, local authorities, and charitable organisations.

The new collaboration will provide a wraparound recruitment and selection service tailored to the needs of housing associations which includes ongoing leadership and peer-to-peer support for successful candidates after appointment.

Patrick Minne, Director, Engage Executive Talent said:

“This is an exciting and progressive partnership which represents a major evolution of the local housing recruitment sector and combines the collective expertise and competencies of our two organisations. Together we understand the mission, culture and values of a sector dedicated to improving its community, and we recognise why and how those factors need to be considered during recruitment and selection processes, alongside traditional skills and experiences. This is a partnership which will harness the best qualities and experiences of both of our organisations and will bring together ARK’s deep, 30-year knowledge of the UK housing sector with our specialist expertise of the social enterprise sector to deliver a holistic and bespoke recruitment service.

“Over the last six years, Engage has become a leader in the recruitment of third sector leaders, executives, and board members, and this felt like a natural next step for us. The impact of Covid-19 has also further proven the need for high-quality, expert advice and guidance when an organisation is seeking leadership talent, and that is exactly what we provide.”

Kieran Colgan, Director, ARK Consultancy said:

“We are thrilled to work with Engage as ARK continues to extend the range of services we provide to housing associations in Northern Ireland.

“ARK’s work across the housing sector over the last 30 years gives us the professional connections and networks to ensure Northern Ireland’s housing associations attract the ‘brightest and best’ to board, executive and interim positions.” 

Helen Scurr, People Services Director, ARK Consultancy added:

“We have been very impressed with Engage’s work and their intimate knowledge of the Northern Irish housing sector. Like ARK, they are committed to developing long-term relationships based on honesty, mutual respect, and trust.

“By combining ARK’s skills and expertise with Engage, we can develop a one-of-a-kind package for Northern Irelands largest social enterprises – housing associations – helping to develop the sector’s capacity and develop its future leaders.”

The partnership will formally be launched at an event in Belfast in October.

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 24 August 2020

Forward Look

• Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has announced a series of new restrictions to clamp down on community transmission of Covid-19. Only 15 people are now permitted to gather outside, down from 30 people, and the number of people meeting in an indoor dwelling has been reduced to 6 people from no more than 2 households. The Minister also said there will be “focused PSNI enforcement” in Covid hotspot areas going forward.

• The Head of the NI Civil Service is expected to be announced around the middle of next month, according to the Irish News.

• Fianna Fáil is in the process of restructuring its communications and research office and is seeking to recruit a new Head of Communications and Research. The party is also recruiting a new Press Officer and Policy Researcher.

• Ireland’s Agriculture Minister Dara Calleary TD has resigned after attending a large event, only a day after the government introduced strict new Covid-19 restrictions.

• Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín MLA is extending legislation to protect vulnerable people and relieve winter pressures during the pandemic.

• Ulster University has appointed Professor Paul Bartholomew as its new Vice-Chancellor.  

• Department for Infrastructure officials may have to take control of a decision on a controversial proposed development of a new Asda superstore on the outskirts of Newtownabbey. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has voted to defer consideration of the application. Retail NI is opposed to the proposals.  

• The SDLP is to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year with a programme of events which “commemorate the progress that it has delivered but which will look firmly to the future, focusing on transforming the lives of people across Ireland”.

• The Executive Office Committee is expected to meet next week to hear evidence from the First and deputy First Ministers over the ongoing impasse in the roll-out of the victims and survivors pension scheme.

• The Economy Committee will meet next Wednesday 26 August to receive a Departmental briefing as well as a briefing from further education colleges and training providers.

• The All-Party Group on Cancer will hold its AGM via Zoom on Tuesday 15 September. The meeting will also hear an update on the NI Cancer Strategy from Department of Health officials.

• Third sector membership body CO3 is holding its virtual Leadership Conference on 24 and 25 September. Keynote speakers include former US Ambassador to the UN and key adviser to President Barack Obama, Samantha Power. To register, please visit this link.

• The IoD NI has revealed the finalists for the Northern Ireland Director of the Year Awards. A scaled-down ceremony will be held at the Merchant Hotel on Friday 11 September.

• Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre is seeking to appoint a new chair and two further independent members to its sponsor board.

Other Stories this week

• Education Minister Peter Weir MLA announced this week that A-Level, AS Level, and GCSE students receiving grades this month will now be awarded the higher of the grades submitted by their school or college, or the grade calculated by exam board CCEA.  

• New restrictions have also been imposed in the Republic of Ireland to reduce the spread of Covid-19. People are being encouraged to work from home where possible, crowds for outdoor events have been reduced from 200 to 15, and new powers have been granted to Gardaí to intervene where they believe social distancing rules are not being complied with.  

• Northern Ireland’s new Attorney General, Brenda King, has formally been sworn in at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast this week. Ms King was previously First Legislative Counsel in the NI Executive.  

• RTÉ has announced that Claire Byrne is to be the new presenter of RTÉ Radio 1’s mid-morning ‘Today’ programme.

• Aerospace firm Bombardier has said a further 95 jobs are at risk of redundancy at its NI operations.

• Health Secretary Matt Hancock MP has confirmed that Public Health England will be replaced by a new body focused on preparing for external threats like pandemics. PHE has been criticised by the government for its coronavirus response.

• The body in charge of organising the maintenance of the Palace of Westminster has rejected the Prime Minister’s suggestion of temporarily moving parliament to York while repair work is carried out.

Consultations

• Autism Private Members Bill NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.

• Trade Union Freedom Bill NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.

• Consultation on proposals to further amend the law relating to the retention of DNA and fingerprints in Northern Ireland Department of Justice. Deadline 28 August.

• Consultation on amending Human Trafficking legislation Department of Justice. Deadline 1 September.

• Call for Evidence – Pension Schemes Bill Committee for Communities. Deadline 9 September.

• Consultation on Further Education Support and Charging Policy at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) DAERA. Deadline 11 September.

• Consultation on Development of an Adult Restorative Justice Strategy for Northern Ireland Department of Justice. Deadline 11 September. 

• Draft Organised Crime Strategy 2020-2023 Department of Justice. Deadline 2 October.

• Second Independent Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Process in NI Department for Communities. Deadline 16 October.

• Online Political Transparency The Cabinet Office. Deadline 4 November.

Allstate NI is first company awarded Silver Diversity Mark

John Healy OBE, Vice President and Managing Director, Allstate NI pictured receiving the first Silver Diversity Mark Award with Christine White, Head of Business, Diversity Mark NI

Allstate NI is the first company in Northern Ireland to be awarded the Silver Diversity Mark by Diversity Mark NI for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Diversity Mark NI recognised Allstate NI for fostering inclusive diversity through its hiring and workplace policies, particularly its continued focus on supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

As part of its review process, Diversity Mark NI analysed Allstate NI data from the Stonewall UK Workplace Equality Index, which employers use to measure progress on LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Allstate NI was commended for its work with new hires, which includes sharing information about the company’s Embrace LGBT network group and other initiatives in pre-employment materials.

John Healy OBE, Vice President and Managing Director of Allstate NI said:

“Inclusive diversity is central to everything we do, and it’s needed now more than ever. I am delighted that we are the first company in Northern Ireland to receive the Silver Diversity Mark.”

“This award is a testament to our efforts to foster a workplace culture where employees are themselves.”

Allstate NI was also recognised by Diversity Mark NI for its recruitment of more women into IT roles. The company achieved a 33% hiring rate for female junior recruitment levels – more than twice the 16% UK average.

Allstate NI isn’t just about achieving high levels of inclusivity inside its walls. As a proud co-founding member of Diversity Mark NI, the company leads the way to support dozens of partner companies in their journey to create a more welcoming environment for their employees.

Lesley Miller, Senior Manager, Allstate NI and Diversity Mark NI board member said:

“Our commitment to inclusive diversity in the workplace is second to none. This award is a wonderful recognition of our work on employee resource groups and the flexible and supportive work environment we’ve created.”

The Diversity Mark NI was established in 2016 and has more than 70 members from all business sectors across Northern Ireland. All organisations registered with the Diversity Mark NI join at the bronze level and earn higher recognitions based on their inclusive diversity achievements.

Hospitality Ulster welcomes Shadow Chancellor to the North Coast

Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Anneliese Dodds MP pictured with (L) Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster and (R) Danny Coyles, Chairman of Hospitality Ulster during a visit to Ballycastle earlier today

Hospitality Ulster has welcomed the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Anneliese Dodds MP to the North Coast for a series of engagements with the hospitality and tourism sector.

The Shadow Chancellor heard directly from a number of stakeholders from the sector during a roundtable lunch in Ballycastle earlier today.

Hospitality and tourism have been among the hardest hit as a result of the pandemic with many traditional pubs still closed across Northern Ireland and the need for targeted and ongoing financial support was raised with the Shadow Chancellor.

The challenges and issues which are facing the hospitality and tourism sectors as a result of Covid-19 and in normal times were underlined by representatives including from Hospitality Ulster, Hotel Federation, National Trust, NI Tourism Alliance, and the Taste Causeway Collaborative Growth Network.

The Shadow Chancellor also visited the Giants Causeway and is expected to meet with other business leaders in Northern Ireland during her visit.

Meeting with Hospitality Ulster and a range of other stakeholders on the North Coast today, Anneliese Dodds MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer said:

“Northern Ireland is a wonderful place to visit and I’ve been overwhelmed by the friendly welcome I’ve received from everyone here.”

“But it’s also clear to me that the tourism industry here is really struggling in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. The UK government’s decision to withdraw wage support across the economy in one fell swoop will only make things worse.”

“Many businesses are set to lose support before they’ve been able to get back onto their feet. The Chancellor must think twice before more jobs go in sectors like tourism and hospitality both in Northern Ireland and across the UK.”

Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster added:

“It was great to have the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer on the North Coast to listen directly to the sector here and to hear about the severe impact Covid-19 has had on those in hospitality and tourism throughout Northern Ireland.”

“On her first visit to Northern Ireland since taking up her new role, the Shadow Chancellor heard how difficult the past number of months have been right across the country and we were greatly encouraged by her support for the sector which contributes £1.2 billion annually to the local economy.”

“We welcome how engaged the Shadow Chancellor is to our issues right across the sector including on the challenges which Brexit will pose, the need for a reduction in VAT and targeted extension of furlough among others.” 

“We are all too aware that Covid-19 remains a significant threat and we all have to play our part to limit the spread of the deadly virus. With our traditional pubs still closed after five long months, there is an urgent need to allow these to reopen in a safe and controlled manner however, if this is not possible the Executive must provide immediate financial support to save many businesses and livelihoods.”

Statement on BTEC results from the Further Education College Principals’ Group

Ken Webb, South Eastern Regional College

In response to the news that BTEC results have been pulled on the eve of results day, Ken Webb, Chairperson of the Further Education College Principals’ Group said:

“While it is extremely disappointing that it has taken Pearson until the eleventh hour to communicate its decision, our immediate concern is for the many hundreds of students who must now wait on their BTEC results. Colleges will be communicating with these students today.

“To ensure that no student is disadvantaged any further as a result of the delay in issuing results, the six regional colleges of further education have taken steps to ensure that a place is reserved for any student who has already applied for a further education or training course and who meet the entry requirements. In addition, the colleges’ application processes will remain open to allow other young people to submit applications for courses once they receive their results.

“We feel desperately sorry for the students affected in a year when they have already undergone far too much disruption and hope that Pearson will act to issue revised grades within days. We encourage all students to contact their local college for further advice.”

Hospitality Ulster calls for industry to treat Government guidance as instructions to help control irresponsible behaviours in an effort to limit the spread of Covid19

Hospitality Ulster has called on the hospitality industry to treat all government guidance as instructions to help stop the spread of Covid19. It is also asking businesses to stop selling alcohol after 11pm and suspend live music as these are identified as high-risk areas.

As the Republic of Ireland brings in new restrictions around the likes of sporting events and social gatherings, Hospitality Ulster has said that we need to be on the front foot here and that the sector has a big part to play – but enforcement powers must be brought in to tackle rogue premises.

Although parts of the hospitality sector have opened safely from the start of July, traditional non-food serving pubs are still closed, with an indicative reopening date of 1st September. The organisation has said that any irresponsible behaviour could drive a further increase in the virus and result in the entire sector being closed again.

Hundreds of traditional non-food pubs have still to reopen and if we do not get control of the virus their September reopening date is unlikely, increasing the significant financial risk with thousands of job losses forthcoming if the NI Executive doesn’t step in and provide support to halt a disaster. Likewise, our music and events venues remain closed and urgently need financial support.

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said today:

“This is a black and white issue for the hospitality sector. As an industry we must do all we can to reduce the spread of the virus and limit irresponsible behaviour. We are therefore calling on our industry to take all government guidance as instructions. We would also go further and ask licensed premises to stop serving alcohol at 11pm and stop all live music / DJs to help control the spread of this virus.”

“These additional measures will hurt what are responsible businesses, but it is our understanding that these are the high-risk areas and acting now may save lives and also avoid a total closure of the hospitality sector.“

“The vast majority of our industry have and continue to act responsibly, but we need urgent action by the NI Executive to reinforce our calls, with legal measures, as rogue businesses will just ignore these calls and undermine the actions of the responsible majority.”

“The NI Executive must suspend all late liquor licences; suspend provision of music under entertainment licences; and introduce the power of closure for premises that blatantly ignore government guidance.”

“Our industry now needs to double-down in relation to adherence to the guidance. This turbulent period is a long way from being over and we have to remain steadfast in doing all we can to curtail the spread.” 

“We certainly do not want to see the scenes that we did in the media from Dublin at the weekend. Whilst there are isolated incidents like this, they serve as hard reminders that we must take our responsibilities seriously.” 

“If we want to limit the spread of the virus and get businesses back up and running again, we must put all and every line of the guidance into practice. If anyone decides to ignore the guidance and take risks beyond what is allowed and responsible, they should feel the full force of the law and be shut down, period.”

‘Take the vocational route’ - students urged to apply for a place in their local FE College this year

Ken Webb, Principal and Chief Executive of South Eastern Regional College

The Principals of the six Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland are urging young people to consider applying for degree level courses and higher level apprenticeships at their local college this year.

Colleges in Northern Ireland account for one in five of all available higher education places in a range of subjects like IT, Engineering, Manufacturing, Software Engineering and Health and Social Care.

Students can apply directly through college websites and campuses and will not be required to go through lengthy and uncertain clearing processes as they currently are with university places.

With more young people likely to make the decision to remain at home to pursue their further and higher education, colleges have a vast range of courses and places available for young people who want to continue their studies at home.

Speaking on behalf of the six Further Education Colleges, Ken Webb, Principal and Chief Executive of South Eastern Regional College said:

“This has been a very uncertain time for students and parents but the staff in our FE Colleges are now on hand to provide the support and guidance as students consider their next steps. We would encourage all potential students to contact their local college now for information on the range of courses available to them. Rather than have to go through the protracted and stressful clearing process, students can apply directly through their local colleges today.

“Our colleges offer a wide range of courses and over the past number of months we have all seen how the jobs which have kept our economy afloat from healthcare to engineering, manufacturing and IT – all of these courses are direct routes to successful careers and highly promising next steps for students considering their future careers. These jobs will be critical to our economy and our Colleges offer rewarding opportunities and make ambitions a reality for all learners irrespective of their background.

“Last week, it was announced that significant funding would be provided to promote the important role of apprenticeships. This was greatly welcomed as these will be crucial to the economic recovery. Across the 30 campuses, a wide range of apprenticeships are offered which develop the skills required by employers for the future world of work.

“Our colleges play a valuable role throughout Northern Ireland and we look forward to welcoming a new cohort of learners who will achieve their potential and improve their career and life prospects.”