11 October 2007 Empey meets Wall Street Financial Skills Expert

He began his three day U.S. visit by meeting with John Hennesy, Senior Director of International Education and Training with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).  During the meeting the Minister learned about the full range of FINRA training activity and training needs analysis.  Mr Hennesy outlined what skills are needed for the financial sector, how they are developed and what future trends are expected.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said: "The financial services sector is of particular interest to us in Northern Ireland.  The Bank of Ireland has recently created 149 new jobs in Belfast, so it is clear this is a developing area and one in which I am keen to maximise potential.  Mr Hennesy's insight into the sector can provide us with valuable advice on how to take this forward at home."

Also during his visit the Minister will meet with Patricia Smith, Commissioner of Labor for New York, to explore the connections between the Department of Labor and training and education providers in the state.  The New York State Department of Labor is a leader in the provision of integrated customer service to jobseekers, workers and employers in the highly competitive workforce of the 21st century.

The Minister will also visit La Guardia Community College, which is one of the largest and most diverse community colleges in the U.S.  The college has a number of successful initiatives that provide tailored support to local industry including the Center for Corporate Education and its Small Business Development Center.

Commenting on his visit to the U.S., the Minister said: "In order to compete in a global market, Northern Ireland must learn from examples of best practice from around the world. I want to see how the education and training system in New York works closely with employers to produce a workforce with the right skills sets that has resulted in New York State being ranked as one of the top ten State economies in the U.S.  These are lessons which can be learned and utilized at home."

During the trip the Minister will also attend the Ireland Chamber of Commerce in the United States American Celtic Ball with his Executive colleagues Martin McGuinness and Edwin Poots.