Menu
28/06/2007
NI ‘must learn’ from world business practices
The Northern Ireland Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey, has begun a seven day trip to the USA with a fact finding mission in North Carolina.
The Minister was keen to learn more about the now the State encourages workforce and economic development and attracts inward investment. North Carolina has much in common with Northern Ireland and the relationship between the two regions, established over several years, has proved to be of mutual benefit.
Like Northern Ireland, North Carolina’s economy is in a period of transition with their traditional textile and furniture industries as well as manufacturing and tobacco growing all in decline and the “new age” industries of financial services, pharmaceutical manufacturing and high tech research all on the increase.
During the visit, the Minister met Erskine Bowles, President of North Carolina and Martin Lancaster, President of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to further explore examples of best practice in the two systems. The NCCCS, in particular, has worked closely with the Department for Employment and Learning in the past few years and has helped to shape many of the Department’s Further Education and Skills policies.
Commenting on the meeting, Sir Reg said: “In order to compete in a global market, Northern Ireland must learn from examples of best practice from around the world. The work being done in North Carolina is an excellent example of how a holistic approach encompassing Further and Higher Education and the business community can raise skills levels and attract inward investment.”
The Minister is expected to travel to Washington DC to experience the Smithsonian Folklife Festival first hand and speak at the University of Ulster Alumni Reception.
(JM)
The Minister was keen to learn more about the now the State encourages workforce and economic development and attracts inward investment. North Carolina has much in common with Northern Ireland and the relationship between the two regions, established over several years, has proved to be of mutual benefit.
Like Northern Ireland, North Carolina’s economy is in a period of transition with their traditional textile and furniture industries as well as manufacturing and tobacco growing all in decline and the “new age” industries of financial services, pharmaceutical manufacturing and high tech research all on the increase.
During the visit, the Minister met Erskine Bowles, President of North Carolina and Martin Lancaster, President of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to further explore examples of best practice in the two systems. The NCCCS, in particular, has worked closely with the Department for Employment and Learning in the past few years and has helped to shape many of the Department’s Further Education and Skills policies.
Commenting on the meeting, Sir Reg said: “In order to compete in a global market, Northern Ireland must learn from examples of best practice from around the world. The work being done in North Carolina is an excellent example of how a holistic approach encompassing Further and Higher Education and the business community can raise skills levels and attract inward investment.”
The Minister is expected to travel to Washington DC to experience the Smithsonian Folklife Festival first hand and speak at the University of Ulster Alumni Reception.
(JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 April 2024
Minister Commits To Policies With A 'Real And Meaningful Impact'
At the first meeting of the Communities Committee, Minister Gordon Lyons has committed to delivering policies that make a 'real and meaningful impact'. Whilst acknowledging the scale of the challenge facing all departments in terms of budget, the Minister outlined his ambitions for getting the most from available funds.
Minister Commits To Policies With A 'Real And Meaningful Impact'
At the first meeting of the Communities Committee, Minister Gordon Lyons has committed to delivering policies that make a 'real and meaningful impact'. Whilst acknowledging the scale of the challenge facing all departments in terms of budget, the Minister outlined his ambitions for getting the most from available funds.
19 April 2024
PM's Failure To Apologise Over State Agents 'Indefensible' – SDLP
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's failure to apologise for the role successive governments played in running state agents involved in criminality including abduction, torture and murder has been described as "indefensible".
PM's Failure To Apologise Over State Agents 'Indefensible' – SDLP
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's failure to apologise for the role successive governments played in running state agents involved in criminality including abduction, torture and murder has been described as "indefensible".
19 April 2024
Infrastructure Minister Attends Transport Research Arena Event In Dublin
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has outlined how developments over the last twenty years have helped reshape transport planning and transport maintenance in Northern Ireland, at the Transport Research Arena in Dublin.
Infrastructure Minister Attends Transport Research Arena Event In Dublin
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has outlined how developments over the last twenty years have helped reshape transport planning and transport maintenance in Northern Ireland, at the Transport Research Arena in Dublin.
18 April 2024
Justice Minister Welcomes Report On Domestic Abuse Review
Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has welcomed the findings of an independent review of domestic abuse legislation aimed at holding perpetrators to account.
Justice Minister Welcomes Report On Domestic Abuse Review
Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has welcomed the findings of an independent review of domestic abuse legislation aimed at holding perpetrators to account.
18 April 2024
Other News In Brief
SDLP Criticise SF And Alliance For Backing DUP Amendment The SDLP have accused Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party of allowing the DUP to "delay action on poverty". Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole made the accusation, after the Executive parties backed a DUP amendment to the SDLP's Opposition Day proposal to remove the two-child limit.
Other News In Brief
SDLP Criticise SF And Alliance For Backing DUP Amendment The SDLP have accused Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party of allowing the DUP to "delay action on poverty". Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole made the accusation, after the Executive parties backed a DUP amendment to the SDLP's Opposition Day proposal to remove the two-child limit.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
