5 April 2001

IT TRAINING AIDS EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS – FARREN

Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment,
Dr Sean Farren, this evening visited the newly opened computer training rooms at the Loughiel Millennium Centre. During his visit, he also presented certificates to 30 men and women who have successfully completed their OCR accredited IT qualifications.

Speaking at the presentation Minister Farren stressed the importance of gaining IT skills by saying: "The determination by the course participants in overcoming obstacles and achieving these IT qualifications will significantly enhance their employment prospects. Such skills, which were once considered optional and then desirable by many employers, are now becoming essential."

The Minister added: "Loughgiel Community Association has made a substantial contribution to community success by creating these new facilities and enabling people to access essential training. Some 350 people have benefited from the training services provided by the Association. This is an example of the benefits which the European Social Fund has helped bring to communities and individuals across Northern Ireland."

The Minister also acknowledged the roles of the Training for Women Network, Proteus and the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust in funding the facilities and services at the Millennium Centre.

Media enquiries to Kevin Mulhern, Press Office, telephone 028 9025 7790 or mobile 07799 711523.