The Minister was speaking as he visited Harland & Wolff to launch the new all age apprenticeship provision, ApprenticeshipsNI, as well as the revised Training for Success provision which is designed for young people who have not yet found employment.
Devised by the Department for Employment and Learning, these new provisions will mean anyone over the age of 16 will be able to embark on an apprenticeship programme.
Minister Empey said: "It is evident that by investing in our employees through the delivery of well structured and tailored training, we can realise a truly skilled workforce that will improve productivity, raise skills standards and improve the quality of customer service.
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"ApprenticeshipsNI will further enable employers to develop and enhance the skills of its workforce. Furthermore, Training for Success offers young people the opportunity to get the training, skills and qualifications that they need to gain employment, by providing employers with the skills that they need."
After a tour of Harland & Wolff's main building dock, the Minister encouraged all employers to consider apprenticeships.
He said: "Employers undoubtedly have a vital role to play in encouraging and facilitating apprenticeships.
"I urge all employers, both large and small, to really make it their business this year to find out more about apprenticeships and how they can help their business grow, as well as raise the skills level of the Northern Ireland workforce."
More information on apprenticeships can be found on www.apprenticeshipsni.info or by calling the ApprenticeshipsNI Freephone Helpline on 08000 854573.
More information on Training for Success can be found on www.trainingforsuccess.info or by calling the Freephone Helpline on 08000 854573.
(PR/JM)
