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New Career Academy launched in the North West

1 April 2009

Business and education links were strengthened today by the launch of Northern Ireland’s first Career Academy, situated in the North West.

The Academy, focusing on the business and finance sectors, aims to enhance the aspirations and career prospects of young, enthusiastic people aged 16-19 and gives students the opportunity to broaden the number of genuine choices they have about their future education and career pathways. The students, who are studying at the North West Regional College, have already had the opportunity to visit major financial institutions in London including PricewaterhouseCoopers and Goldman Sachs.

This initiative, in partnership with Career Academies UK, was established in late 2008 and features a number of students who are currently working towards a National Diploma in Business and Finance.

Launching the programme at the North West Regional College, Strand Road Campus, Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey said, “I wholly support this initiative which highlights to students the vast range of career opportunities in the business and financial service sectors.  It also gives students the chance to see academia being put into practice.

“My Department has been working closely with Career Academies UK and we hope to continue this partnership in the future and launch more programmes in other subject areas.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. For further information on Career Academies UK please go to http://www.careeracademies.org.uk external link.
  2. All media enquiries to Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on telephone 028 9025 7872.  Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.