Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is home to over 1,000* companies working in the process and manufacturing sector. Between them, they employ more than 12,000 people in various roles. Although the makeup of these companies is similar to the rest of the UK, there are some important differences, for example most companies are Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro Businesses which demand specific support. 
The main Government contact for Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) is the Department for Employment and Learning (DELNI) and the current Skills Policy is ‘Success through Skills’.
Proskills is a Sector Skills Council for the Process Manufacturing Sector. Our activities in Northern Ireland are overseen by a Proskills manager, who is responsible for working with employers to give some leadership and strategic direction to our work. Proskills has established an Executive Committee which comprises of employers from Proskills sectors. Membership of the Committee is open to all employers and meets around three times a year.
Proskills work directly with employers which ensures that our qualifications and training are appropriate to their needs. The enhanced role of SSCs in Northern Ireland means that Proskills is expected to approve qualifications and training developments. Approval is achieved through the Executive Committee, and any employer who engages with Proskills' Qualification Team as part of any consultation or review of qualifications and programmes.
To find out more about Proskills activities click here
* 2005 IDBR data