Identification of Priority Skill Areas for Northern Ireland
Aim
The aim of the Task Group is to advise on the imbalances between skills demand and supply and the skill areas which should be prioritised to encourage more people to train and acquire the economically valuable skills needed to develop the Northern Ireland economy and to make recommendations through the Adviser to the Minister for Employment and Learning.
Objectives:
The Task Group will:
- define what we mean by priority skills and explain the value of this analysis;
- develop a framework for the identification of priority skill areas;
- identify the sectors/clusters/occupations which will have the greatest economic potential for Northern Ireland (both now and in the future) taking into account local, national, and international developments;
- identify the skill requirements needed to grow the economy and the skill deficiencies which could constrain employment and productivity growth;
- identify and analyse if there are any demand side indicators which are indicating skill shortages;
- review the findings with key stakeholders in the form of focus groups;
- provide the Adviser with an interim report on its findings, including recommendations, by 31 December 2010; and
- provide the Adviser with a final draft report on the Task Group’s activities, findings and recommendations by March 2011.