IET: Skills vital to rebalancing Northern Ireland’s economy

The vital role of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills in rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy will be outlined today at a special event taking place at the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Stormont’s Committee for Employment and Learning is bringing together politicians, STEM advocates, colleges and universities, small businesses, and students to discuss careers in engineering and technology and the benefits of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).

The event, supported by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), will showcase the positive benefits of KTPs, which help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through better use of knowledge, technology and skills which already exist in the UK marketplace.

Dolores Kelly MLA, Chairperson of the Committee for Employment and Learning, said: “The expansion of STEM subjects is vital to our economic development and this is why we have engaged in a variety of activities to facilitate more young people studying these important subjects.

“Knowledge Transfer Partnerships between businesses and education establishments provide considerable scope to support small businesses engaged in STEM-related activities to prosper and rebalance our economy.”

The breakfast event will hear from a number of speakers, including Dr Steve Brankin, CEO of Asidua, a software consultancy and services company, which is headquartered in Belfast.

Ends

Notes to editors:
. Expert IET spokespeople are available for interview.
. The IET is Europe’s largest professional body of engineers with 150,000 members in 127 countries.
. The IET has a Local Network of members in Northern Ireland.
. The IET dates back to 1871 and has offices in Europe, Asia and the US.
. For more information, visit www.theiet.org.

Media enquiries to:
Robert Beahan, Press Officer
T: +44 (0)1438 767336
M: +44 (0)7595 400912
E: rbeahan@theiet.org