Home > News > March 2004 > 09-Mar-2004

Kennedy opens Michelin Training Centre

The importance of forging links between Further Education and local employers was highlighted by the Rt. Hon Jane Kennedy, Minister for Employment and Learning, during a visit to the North East Institute of Further and Higher Education in Ballymena Co Antrim.

Speaking at the official opening of Michelin's Technical Training Centre last week, Jane Kennedy said: "The Michelin Technical Training Centre, a collaborative effort between the company and the Institute, is an excellent example of how to develop an important impact partnership between business and Further Education. This will form one of the key main policy directions for Further Education in the coming years.

"The students I have met today are making excellent use of Further Education to help them achieve their career goals by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet our economic needs. I am extremely encouraged by the collaborative approach of the Institute and Michelin, in the development of this training centre and would commend others to emulate this co-operative venture."

Confirming that she would be revealing, later today, the results of the Review of Further Education Strategy, Jane Kennedy said, "Work on the Review of Further Education Strategy has been on-going for a number of years and, following this wide-ranging consultative exercise, I will be outlining the proposals for the way ahead for Further Education in Northern Ireland. I will also be emphasising the importance of collaboration with a range of stakeholders if we are to make further education best serve the needs of the local economy."

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