20 September 2000

NEW NORTH/SOUTH PROTOCOL TO BOOST FURTHER EDUCATION

"It is always important to share experiences and learn from one another," the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment,

Dr Sean Farren, said today at the signing of a new North/South Protocol between the Association of Northern Ireland Colleges (ANIC) and the Council of Directors of Institutes of Technology (Republic of Ireland).

Dr Farren said: "We all need to look at new ways of reaching out to those who have not accessed third level education or training.

"This new North/South Protocol will help us do that. It concentrates on three very important areas, namely the sharing of good practice and expertise, consideration of skills needs, and mutual recognition of qualifications.

"It marks a milestone in the development of relationships between the Northern Ireland FE Sector and the Institute of Technology in the South and I am convinced it will be of benefit to all involved."

The Protocol was signed after the Minister performed the official opening of ANIC's new premises at the Sidings Business Park in Lisburn.

Dr Farren added: "Northern Ireland needs to ensure it has people with the skills and knowledge industry needs if we are to develop our economy and create the prosperous, inclusive society we all want.

"The further education sector will be a key player in bringing that about by building on its strong traditions of outreach and innovation, and I am committed to doing all I can to help it create the widest possible access to the opportunities it offers.

"That in turn means ANIC will have a crucial role to play, seeking as it does to promote further education and ensure that the sector's interests are properly represented.

"The Association has, I am pleased to say, an excellent working relationship with my officials and I am happy to say that my Department has been able to support ANIC in its activities."

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Association of Northern Ireland Colleges (ANIC) came into operation on 1 April 1998 to coincide with the date of Incorporation of Further Education Colleges and is the representative organisation for 16 of the 17 further education colleges in Northern Ireland, the Belfast Institute (BIFHE) being the only college which is not a member. The purpose of ANIC is:

• to represent the interests of the further education sector in NI;
• to function as an employers' association for the sector;
• to facilitate co-operation between colleges on matters of common interest; and to market the further education sector.

ANIC has been working closely with the Council of Directors of Institutes of Technology (CDIT) in the Republic of Ireland on issues of common interest. In particular, they have been working on the development of a joint Protocol to facilitate closer working arrangements.

For further information please contact Simon Burrowes on 028 9025 7831 or 07799 711524.