27 September 2000

FARREN OPENS NEW TRAINING CENTRE FOR WHOLESALE & RETAIL SECTORS

A new training centre for employees in the local Wholesale and Retail sector was opened this evening by the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren.

The Minister performed the opening of the new training centre and headquarters for the Wholesale and Retail Training Council (WRTC) during a visit to their Mallusk premises.

Speaking during the opening, Dr Farren drew attention to the role WRTC and the other 12 Sector Training Councils play in developing skills.

He said: "As the representative voice of employers, the Councils have a key role in making employers' views on training known to Government and in encouraging employers to invest in training. They also have an important contribution to make in terms of setting and improving standards for NVQ and promoting initiatives such as Investors in People and Modern Apprenticeships.

"WRTC are to be complimented on their major investment in a new training centre and HQ. It shows foresight and faith in the future of wholesaling and retailing and the new premises will enable WRTC to provide a better service to the sectors and those employed in them.

"Wholesaling and retailing, particularly the independents, have faced many challenges in recent years, for example, through the investments by major chains and the development of internet shopping. One response to this increased competition is to provide better service through investing in staff training at all levels.

"Skill needs are changing and, through our vocational further and higher education arrangements, we must enable people to continue learning throughout their working lives. That is exactly what this new training centre will help the WRTC to do."

During his visit Dr Farren also presented certificates to 15 young people who had successfully completed employer-led Modern Apprenticeships in wholesaling and retailing.

He added: "Modern Apprenticeships are designed to equip young people with both advanced occupational skills and broader key skills, all of which are essential for a flexible creative workforce and to produce future managers.

"This scheme is an important part of our efforts to address future advanced skill needs. I would encourage employers to use it where possible to ensure that they have the skilled people to keep their businesses competitive."