21/10/2025

On 16 October 2025 the Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald launched a three-year Skills Action Plan to help Northern Ireland develop the skilled workforce needed to support economic growth. The plan outlines how the Department for the Economy will work with businesses, education providers, and communities to improve access to training and ensure people have the skills to succeed in a changing economy.

What the Plan Aims to Do

 The action plan focuses on three main areas:

1. Working together with industry and education partners to develop better ways of delivering skills.
2. Improving the current system by building on successful programmes and institutions.
3. Creating an inclusive and forward-looking skills environment that helps people from all backgrounds reach their potential.

These efforts support the Minister’s broader Economic Vision, which aims to create more good jobs, promote regional balance, raise productivity, and reduce carbon emissions.

Why this matters to Employers

 Although employment levels are high, many businesses are struggling to find workers with the right skills. The Skills Barometer shows there’s a shortage of skilled labour across all sectors. At the same time, new industries and technologies are driving demand for highly skilled workers, and economic inactivity remains a challenge.

To address this, the Department is investing in programmes like Skill Up and Step Up, expanding Apprenticeships, and developing a new Careers Portal. The expansion of Ulster University’s Magee campus to 10,000 students is also expected to boost skills and drive growth in the North-West.

Next Steps: Reform and Collaboration

 The next phase of the plan focuses on reforming how skills are developed and delivered. A sector-based approach will be used to better support the needs of different industries, building on successful models like the Digital Skills and Green Skills Action Plans.

The Skills Council will continue to play a key role in connecting stakeholders and reducing fragmentation in the system. Its sub-groups will be reviewed to ensure they reflect the needs of employers and communities.

The Department will also work with Invest NI to improve how skills provision is communicated and aligned with economic priorities. Efforts will be made to support Irish Medium learners and ensure fair access to qualifications.

Funding and Accountability

 Delivering the plan depends on securing funding. The upcoming Westminster Spending Review and proposed multi-year budget will be critical. The Department will also continue to explore alternative funding sources, such as PeacePlus, the Shared Island Fund, and Investment Zones.

Progress will be tracked through regular reporting, with a formal update due by September 2026. A new evaluation strategy will help measure the impact of skills programmes and ensure they support the goals of the Skills Strategy.

 Looking Ahead

 There is optimism across government and industry about the potential of this Skills Action Plan to deliver meaningful change. However, many of its goals are based on long-term achievements that will take time to realise. Success will depend not only on sustained investment and collaboration, but also on the ability to adapt to changing economic conditions and workforce needs. Employers, educators, and policymakers will need to remain engaged and responsive as the plan unfolds.