About DEL

The Department for Employment and Learning promotes learning and skills, to prepare people for work and to support the Northern Irish economy.

DEL's objectives are to promote economic, social and personal development through high quality learning, research and skills training; and to help people into employment and promote good employment practices.

DEL's two main customer groups are:

• Individuals who are seeking to improve their levels of skills and qualifications or who require support and guidance to progress towards employment, including self-employment
• Businesses in both the public and private sectors.

DEL's key areas of activity:

• Enhancing the provision of learning and skills, including entrepreneurship, enterprise, management and leadership.
• Increasing the level of research and development, creativity and innovation in the Northern Ireland economy.
• Helping individuals to acquire jobs, including self employment, and improving the linkages between employment programmes and skills development.
• The development and maintenance of the framework of employment rights and responsibilities.