Department for the Economy NI

Department for the Economy NI The official page of the Department for the Economy. Managed by Press Office during office hours (Mon-Fri , 9.00am - 5.00pm).

The Department for the Economy was established in May 2016. Our responsibilities include:

• wider economic policy, including specific areas like Energy, Tourism and Telecoms
• the operation of a range of employment and skills programmes
• oversight and funding of the further and higher education sectors
• various aspects of employment law
• the management and operation of various EU funding progr

ammes

Our vision is for Northern Ireland prospering through a decade of innovation which will deliver an economy that is ten times better than it is today, with benefits for all our people. Our Mission is to develop and implement agile policies and programmes which promote a competitive, sustainable and inclusive economy through investment in: skills; economic infrastructure; research and innovation; and business development.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has welcomed the publication of a University College Dublin research report, w...
08/09/2026

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has welcomed the publication of a University College Dublin research report, which was co-funded by the Department for the Economy NI, entitled “Use of AI in the Workplace”.

The report provides the first large-scale evidence on the adoption and impact of Generative AI (GenAI) among workers across the island of Ireland. The report examines who is using GenAI, how it is being used, its effects on productivity and job quality, and whether appropriate governance and training arrangements are in place.

It is the first of a number of reports that will flow from the Working in Ireland Survey which, for the first time, provides important employee perspectives on an all-island basis.

Read more: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/working-ireland-survey-2025

Ready to begin a career in Welding? 🔧Twelve training opportunities are now available through the Welding Academy at Sout...
07/09/2026

Ready to begin a career in Welding? 🔧

Twelve training opportunities are now available through the Welding Academy at South West College (SWC).

This intensive six-week programme provides industry-recognised training and accredited welding qualifications to prepare participants for a career in the engineering and manufacturing sector. Participants will study City & Guilds Welding Level 1 or 2, Abrasive Wheels Training and have the opportunity to gain an introduction to robotic welding.

Eligible applicants will be invited to an information session at SWC's Welding Facility in Cookstown on Tuesday 15 September 2026, followed by interviews during the week beginning Monday 12 October 2026.

Training runs from Monday 26 October to Friday 4 December 2026 at SWC's dedicated Welding Facility in Cookstown.

Those who successfully complete the Academy are guaranteed a job interview with one of the supporting employers.

Participants will also receive a £185 weekly training allowance, plus help with travel and childcare costs.

Read more and apply: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/welding-academy

Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 2 October 2026.

Specdrum Ltd TBC Conversions Terex Corporation South West College

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has attended the first All Ireland TU Dublin / OT Baile Átha Cliath Self-Emplo...
04/09/2026

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has attended the first All Ireland TU Dublin / OT Baile Átha Cliath Self-Employment for People with Disabilities conference.

The University provides the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities available in Ireland. The programme is now in its second year of operation in Northern Ireland thanks to a partnership between the Department for the Economy NI, Go Succeed NI and Disability Action Northern Ireland.

Speaking after taking part in a fireside chat at the conference, the Minister said: “Self-employment and entrepreneurship should be a real and supported pathway for people with disabilities. I welcome this first all-Ireland conference and the opportunity it provides to share learning, build relationships and encourage more people to harness their skills, ideas and experience to develop as entrepreneurs.”

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has met with representatives from Mallusk and Antrim Enterprise Agencies to he...
03/09/2026

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has met with representatives from Mallusk and Antrim Enterprise Agencies to hear how they support local businesses, entrepreneurship, economic development and business growth.

The Minister heard more on their plans for the future and praised their role in growing the local economy.

The Minister said: “Enterprise agencies, working alongside departments and local government play a vital role in identifying and addressing local economic priorities. I was very interested to hear more from representatives from Antrim and Mallusk on their plans for the future so they can continue to contribute to and strengthen the borough’s economic infrastructure, supporting long-term business growth and job creation.”

Northern Ireland Executive
Mallusk Enterprise Park
Antrim Enterprise
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough
Invest Northern Ireland

02/09/2026

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has announced an additional £800,000 for the Ulster University Short Courses Programme at Magee to help more people access industry-relevant training while supporting the continued expansion of the Campus and economic growth across the North West.

🔗https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-announces-additional-ps800000-north-west-short-courses-programme?fbclid=IwY2xjawUFC6ZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMDlhNXlWcjN2eUs4U3NmN3dzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeIj3FCQDCymPZZGfsE02oeWhwOJ72ZwATD6ndOBdm9HUZe3H903cloijysLc_aem_YvAMVRa5KULZnayrhD6aFA

Ulster University Derry City & Strabane District Council GEMX North West Southern Regional College North West Regional College South West College City of Derry Airport Vertiv Ireland Vertiv Londonderry Chamber of Commerce

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Department For The Economy, Adelaide House, 39/49 Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT28FD

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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