‘Book’ a free Essential Skills course

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry along with TV presenter Sarah Travers is urging potential learners to book an Essential Skills course and transform their lives through learning ahead of World Book day.

The Minister was speaking ahead of World Book Day 2015, which celebrates books and reading across the globe, and stressed the importance of good literacy skills and the incredible impact they have on the lives of individuals, whether in the home or in the workplace.

Dr Farry said: “Books enrich our lives, allowing us to experience the joy of reading and reap the benefits that reading for pleasure has on educational success.

“It can also bring other rewards, such as paving the way into work, improving job prospects, and better writing skills.

“My Department provides free Essential Skills courses in literacy, numeracy and ICT and, to date 163,500 adults in Northern Ireland have achieved nearly 250,000 qualifications.

“These people have demonstrated their desire to get ahead, overcome barriers, achieve more and obtain recognised qualifications.

“I would encourage potential learners to use World Book Day as an opportunity to enrol on one or more of the Essential Skills courses, learn new skills or brush up on existing ones and, for many, be able to support their children’s educational achievement as well as progressing their own careers.”

If you would like to sign up for free Essential Skills classes in literacy (or numeracy or ICT) why not contact your local college or visit:: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/essential-skills.htm for more information.