From August 2009 further education colleges will provide such training on site and through mobile ICT training units.
Empey said that ICT will be provided in addition to existing literacy and numeracy training, in order to improve the skills of Northern Ireland's workforce.
"Without basic ICT skills, individuals risk being isolated in a world which is increasingly linked through information and technology. ICT and 'technology illiteracy' is now as great a barrier to social exclusion and employability as a lack of literacy and numeracy skills has been to date," he said.
He also urged employers to help their employees to address ICT skills problems. "Without basic ICT skills, individuals risk being isolated in a world which is increasingly linked through information and technology. ICT and 'technology illiteracy' is now as great a barrier to social exclusion and employability as a lack of literacy and numeracy skills has been to date," he said.
The scheme follows a two year pilot involving more than 1,800 learners, including staff at poultry and food processing company Moy Park, building services company Quinn Group and Craigavon Area Health Group.
