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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 12 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Skilled Workers: Northern Ireland

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on skills levels in Northern Ireland, particularly in the engineering, construction and trades based sectors.

Answer

Skills policy is devolved and the Northern Ireland Executive is responsible for matters of skills needs in Northern Ireland, including in engineering, construction and trades-based sectors.

The department maintains constructive relationships with the devolved governments through regular ministerial and official-level engagement, providing opportunities to discuss shared challenges and exchange learning and evidence across the UK.

Officials in the Department for Work and Pensions also maintain relationships with officials from The Northern Ireland Department of the Economy to discuss skills matters.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
33618
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Construction Engineering Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Executive Skilled workers
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk