Northern Ireland Skills Council relaunched with focus on AI and future jobs

The Northern Ireland Skills Council has been relaunched with a renewed focus on artificial intelligence, green technology and advanced manufacturing.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald welcomed members to the council’s first full meeting following a review of its operations.

The relaunched body will provide strategic advice to the Department for the Economy on developing the skills needed to support businesses, create employment opportunities and strengthen Northern Ireland’s economy.

Artificial intelligence among key priorities

The council will initially concentrate on three priority areas: digital skills and artificial intelligence, green skills, and future skills and advanced manufacturing.

These areas have been identified as important to Northern Ireland’s economic development, particularly as businesses adapt to emerging technologies and changing workforce requirements.

The council will bring together expertise from business, education, government, employees and the voluntary sector to help shape future skills policy.

Greater cooperation with Ireland

The renewed approach will also involve closer cooperation with Ireland’s National Skills Council.

The Department for the Economy said the relationship would help both organisations share expertise and examine common challenges affecting skills development and the labour market.

The collaboration is intended to support efforts to ensure workers and employers can respond to changing economic demands.

Minister highlights importance of skills

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said developing workforce skills was essential to creating a more productive and sustainable economy.

She welcomed the council’s renewed focus on digital technology, artificial intelligence, green skills and advanced manufacturing.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of cooperation between government, employers and education providers in preparing workers for future opportunities.

Council to provide strategic advice

Kathleen O’Hare, Chair of the Northern Ireland Skills Council, welcomed the relaunch.

She said the renewed structure would help strengthen connections between skills policy, employers’ needs and economic development.

The council will operate as an independent advisory body, providing evidence-based recommendations to government on workforce challenges.

Its work will support the Department for the Economy’s wider economic strategy and sectoral development plans.