Building a Skilled Future for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s prosperity depends on closing skills gaps, fostering lifelong learning, and empowering a workforce ready for tomorrow’s challenges. The All-Party Group (APG) on Skills, established by Assembly members and supported by The Open University in Ireland as Secretariat, unites political, business, and education leaders to drive this critical agenda. 

Our Role as Secretariat 

The Open University in Ireland coordinates the APG’s work, leveraging over 50 years of expertise in flexible education. We facilitate meetings, gather evidence, and engage stakeholders to turn insights into actionable recommendations. 

Leadership 

A cross-party team guides the APG’s mission, and is led by the Chair, Kate Nicholl MLA (Alliance Party, South Belfast). 

Recent Activity

Skills for Social Care (2024-2025)

The APG conducted an investigation into Skills for Social Care which ran from April 2024 to January 2025 and gathered evidence from practitioners, employers, regulators, training providers, and government officials.

Follow this link to download the report: A People-First Approach to Skills for Social Care.

Future Skills Priorities (2026)

The APG examined issues including artificial intelligence, green skills, workforce development and lifelong learning through evidence sessions with stakeholders including the Northern Ireland Skills Council and Workplus.

Preparing for the 2027 elections

The APG convened stakeholders from across the skills sector to identify priorities for future skills policy and workforce development in Northern Ireland.

Contact Us 

For enquiries relating to the APG, please contact: [email protected] 

Learn more

Visit our Skill Up page to find out how we’re shaping the future of skills in Northern Ireland.

The work of the APG on Skills is currently paused ahead of the 2027 Northern Ireland Assembly election.