6 September 2000

FARREN : LEARNING IS THE PATH TO OVERCOMING DISADVANTAGE

"A culture of continued learning through life is one of the ways through which we can overcome social disadvantage," the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren, said this morning.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of the Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux's new National Vocational Qualifications assessment centre for advisory training. The centre will train both the paid staff and voluntary advisers of Northern Ireland's network of 28 Citizens Advice Bureaux.

Dr Farren said: "While Northern Ireland can point to an excellent record of educational standards, as seen in the recent GCSE and A Level results, the other side of the coin is that too many people have not benefited from education and training.

"Those with poor basic literacy and numeracy skills, or few if any formal qualifications, are the most likely to be socially excluded. They may be unemployed or in low skill, lower paid jobs and many will need to seek the help of the Citizens Advice Bureaux in dealing with money problems, or benefit or other rights issues.

"Helping these people overcome their disadvantages through more education and training is central to our strategy for lifelong learning. The recently launched learndirect free telephone helpline service advises and signposts people to the course that meets their needs.

"In addition, the new system of Individual Learning Accounts, which are being introduced this month, will help considerably towards the cost of getting the skills that will help toward finding a new or better job."

During the launch, Dr Farren also presented certificates to volunteer advisers who had completed their initial training in advice and paid tribute to the many people who voluntarily work with the Citizens Advice Bureaux.

He added: "Volunteer workers are crucial to the essential work of the Citizens Advice Bureaux. They bring not just their enthusiasm and commitment, but also a wide range of skills and experience of real life.

"Volunteering is a rewarding experience, and can also help to develop the volunteer's own skills, sometimes releasing talents they may not have known they had."

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

1. The learndirect telephone helpline (0800 100 900) is a national service offering free impartial information and advice on education and training courses both in Northern Ireland and across the UK. The Northern Ireland service was launched at the end of June 2000, and is operated in partnership with the Educational Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA) in Belfast.
2. Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) are a UK-wide initiative and are being introduced in Northern Ireland this month. They will allow Individuals to apply for an ILA membership card, which will entitle them to reductions off the cost of a wide range of education and training courses through participating providers. Initially the ILA card will allow up to £150 toward the course costs if the individual pays at least £25. For a selected list of computer courses discounts of up to 80% will apply.
3. In Northern Ireland, ILAs are being administered on behalf of the Department of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment by Capita plc. Anyone interested can get an information pack and application from Capita on Freephone 0800 072 1888. Education and training providers wishing to register as participating providers can contact Capita on 0800 072 6572.

For further information please contact Simon Burrowes on 028 90257831 or 07799 711524.