Dr Stephen Farry, Employment and Learning Minister and Dr Adrian Johnston, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, officially opened the new state-of-the art Belfast Metropolitan College ‘e3’ (enterprise, employability and economic development) building in West Belfast.

Funded by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) and the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), the e3 facility will enhance the employability skills of its students, stimulate enterprise through business incubation and delivery of innovative business development programmes, and foster enhanced approaches to economic development working closely with community partners.

The Minister said: “The role of the further education sector in addressing the skills needs and engaging with local businesses and industry is central to the development of our local economy. This impressive and highly innovative facility will provide a unique curriculum and learning opportunity for further and higher education and for research and development in North and West Belfast.

“At no time has it been more important to put economic development at the top of our agenda, particularly in light of current difficult economic conditions.

“Local companies across Northern Ireland are already reaping the benefits of the further education sector’s expertise, whether it be in prototyping and testing new products or ideas, carrying out training needs analyses, offering incubation facilities or developing bespoke training solutions to improve profitability. All of these activities are positive, practical examples of the ‘Further Education (FE) Means Business’ strategy being realised on the ground.

The opening today of this new state-of-the-art ‘e3’ facility can deliver the flexibility necessary to meet the needs of a modern economy. It will help to ensure that the local workforce have the necessary skills to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the new and emerging technology industries.”

Marie -Thérèse McGivern, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Metropolitan College, said: “This wonderful state-of-the-art building is poised to play an important role in the social and economic regeneration of North and West Belfast and in the wider economic resurgence of the city as a whole.  Its completion represents a proud moment in the 100-year history of our College as we continue our long tradition of working collaboratively with business and industry in stimulating enterprise, enhancing the employability of learners and driving economic growth. We are thrilled to be in a position to offer such a wonderful, innovative and unique facility to our students, to the local community, to the business sector and to our many partners from right across both the public and the private sectors.   I am certain that e3 will become a focal point for creative collaboration and that it will help support wider business growth and competitiveness.”

Dr Adrian Johnston, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland said: “The opening of the e3 facility is good news for North and West Belfast communities and for Northern Ireland’s broad economic landscape.  It represents an investment in the talent, skills and creative abilities of young people. By working in partnership with local industry and communities, the College is putting them within reach of world-class technology, skills and staff.  This is an exceptional facility that supports the Fund’s objectives of delivering sustainable, long-term positive impacts that can transform communities. I have every confidence that through e3 the college can help underpin peace building efforts, accelerate business entrepreneurship and bolster confidence in a region well-known for innovation.” 

The new multi-million pound 5,000 square metre facility provides industry-standard facilities.  Designed to accommodate up to 500 users on a daily basis, e3 houses specialist zones dedicated to digital media, manufacturing technology, catering, business incubation, SME training and renewable technologies.

The location of e3 within Belfast Met’s Springvale campus and adjacent to the College’s Community Learning Centre will ensure a natural synergy between both sites, with the latter focused on widening access to life and work skills.

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