Northern Ireland

Further education colleges must be central to the economic recovery

Ken Webb
Ken Webb Ken Webb

THERE is no doubt about it - 2020 has presented challenges none of us ever expected or imagined.

Unfortunately, many lives have been lost and many livelihoods negatively impacted. Despite ongoing challenges and restrictions which are in place, it is important to look forward with hope that better days are ahead.

In recent weeks, positive news about successful vaccines have been encouraging with a potential end to this pandemic finally in sight. While the pandemic will eventually pass - the unfortunate reality is that the economic recovery will be incredibly challenging and could leave a mark on society for many years to come. With the proper support and acknowledgement, an opportunity exists for the further education (FE) colleges to play a crucial role in this recovery, not least by providing a skilled workforce.

For many years, the FE sector has been overshadowed. However, due to significant investment by the Department for the Economy in innovative facilities, it is in a very strong position moving forward to support communities across Northern Ireland.

We ultimately owe it to future generations to develop an educational pathway which is fit for purpose. For too long, the importance of technical and professional qualifications has been overlooked and undervalued. Despite this, it is the case that whether it is through a Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree or Higher Level Apprenticeship, the solid foundation on which our recovery will be built - can be and will be, facilitated by the FE sector.

The task at hand cannot be underestimated. The economic challenges which lie ahead are exceptional and unfortunately a severe global recession is likely in 2021. The fear of unemployment will frighten many and indeed, may have already become a reality. Re-skilling the workforce to meet the evolving economic landscape will be challenging but it is the case that regardless of individuals' past background or strengths, the FE colleges are best placed to re-skill many in society.

It is also unfortunately true that those who are poorest in society have been disproportionately affected and will continue to be so, therefore, it is important to highlight that across the FE sector in 2018/19, 42.8 per cent of regulated enrolments equating to 50,641 enrolments were from the two most deprived quintiles in Northern Ireland. The economic recovery must include every part of Northern Ireland and again the FE sector will be instrumental in ensuring this.

Collectively, we must focus on building the skills which both the economy and businesses require for the future. Productivity and new skills will become even more important in the near future and employers will be looking for innovative skills to meet the challenges they face. With over 9,000 existing partnerships already established with employers and community organisations, our FE colleges are at the heart of communities and can respond to the fast pace of change in industry while effectively equipping those it educates for the workplace.

It is only by working together and in tandem that we can reinvigorate our society and economy in the time ahead. For too long our FE sector has been overshadowed and undervalued, it is now time to bring it out of the shadows once and for all.

:: Ken Webb is chairman of the Colleges Principals Group