Commenting on the announcement of funding for the new JobStart Scheme, Mary Meehan said;
“For the past year, we have made strenuous efforts to highlight vital skills gaps and signpost young people to a career in manufacturing recognizing their potential role in the recovery from the pandemic. Through our role on the Skills Strategy group and working closely with colleagues in the Department, we had the opportunity to shape targeted programmes such as the JobStart scheme recognising the effects of the pandemic on this age group in particular.
“There are significant opportunities available for young people in manufacturing to enjoy a highly skilled, well-paid and valuable career. Thus we will continue to work closely with the Department for Communities in the roll out and promotion to encourage employers within our sector to get involved”.