Further Education Chief Inspector's Phase Report

Abstract

In 2004 DEL published FE Means Business, which sought to secure for further education a particular mission and vision within The Northern Ireland Economic Vision (2004) and DEL’s Skills Strategy (2004). All three documents9, while recognising the particular difficulties faced by Northern Ireland in the past, focus on the need for the region to face the future through catching up and competing with strong international economies. In particular, FE Means Business re-affirms the sector’s aims to strengthen economic development, increase its provision in the six skill areas identified as priority, promote Lifelong Learning, enhance social cohesion, and advance the individual’s skills and learning. Over the 2004-06 period, DEL has worked with the sector and other key stakeholders to turn the strategy document into relevant and coherent policies.