MEGA WELCOMES NEW DECADE, NEW APPROACH
Maria Curran
Project Director at MEGA - Manufacturing & Engineering Growth & Advancement
A NEW DECADE, NEW APPROACH - MEGA...
It’s uplifting and absolutely essential to see that a key element of the draft agreement includes:
“In support of both economic and educational objectives, the Executive will develop an enhanced approach to careers advice, curriculum, training and apprenticeships to enhance employability and support economic growth.” (p.9) and (p40).
Following the successful launch of the MEGA Project (Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Growth Advancement) in November the network has grown considerably and strategic plans established to tackle the skills shortages and employability issues in Mid-Ulster within the sector.
By the end of January, 4 sub-groups will have their inaugural meeting and they will work together to develop realistic and achievable plans to deliver on the MEGA objectives. The sub-groups have representatives from Business, Education, Government Agencies, Parents and Apprentices and will work collectively on 1) Education & Careers 2) Business Engagement 3) Apprenticeships & Training 4) Attracting people into the sector
The MEGA network welcomes the NI Assembly back to Stormont and supports them as they put plans in place to enhance employability and support economic growth. Indeed the planned activities and potential outputs of the MEGA Strategic Objectives portrays that Mid-Ulster have begun their enhanced approach to careers advice, curriculum, training and apprenticeships.
Mid-Ulster is the most Entrepreneurial region in N. Ireland and MEGA is very lucky to have some of the most influential, knowledgeable people in this entire sector right at the centre of each sub-committee.
?MEGA will welcome the opportunity to meet with Diane Dobbs and Peter Weir in their new roles as ministers for Department for Economy and Department for Education and give our views on how to deliver an improved careers information service and provide closer careers integration between Education and Industry. We need to champion the development, promotion and uptake of apprenticeships, engage providers to align curriculum to meet industry needs and understand current opportunities available.
Together we can look forward to a brighter future for all in Mid-Ulster and attract new talent into the wonderful opportunities within Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering.
