Department Launch Careers Strategy Consultation

22 October 2007

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey and Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane today launched a careers strategy consultation document.

Entitled ‘Preparing for Success’ the strategy aims to support better informed decision-making, leading to more effective career planning and through this to increased participation in education, training and employment.  This strategy forms part of the Government overarching Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland, ‘Success through Skills’.

It is envisaged that the strategy will enhance the careers education offered to young people and adults and will also ensure that the mechanisms are in place to enable the strategy to be based on up to date labour market information. The proposals have been developed following detailed stakeholder involvement.

Commenting on the careers strategy, Sir Reg said, “ ‘Preparing for Success’ is the result of strong collaboration between my Department and the Department of Education.  It forms a vital part of Success Through Skills, the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland.”

“The importance of appropriate career planning to the future development of our economy cannot be overstated.  As Northern Ireland strives to develop as an internationally competitive economy we must develop the skills and support mechanisms necessary to facilitate appropriate career decision making. This will assist people to fulfil their personal potential as well as make a valuable contribution to the economy.”

Minister for Education, Caitríona Ruane added: “Our young people have great potential, however, they also need meaningful and wide ranging education on how to find their way into a career that will stimulate them and provide them with the opportunity to make the most of their individual talents and abilities.

“It is our job to ensure young people receive this careers education in order to help them make informed decisions about where their future lies.

“It is vital we get this strategy right, not only for the benefit of our children, but also for the future growth of our economy as our education system produces confident young people with the abilities and confidence to progress in their chosen career.”

Copies of the consultation document can be downloaded from the websites of both Departments; www.delni.gov.uk external link or www.deni.gov.uk external link or from the Careers Service website www.careersserviceni.com external link  Full details on how to respond are included in the document.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The Consultation period commences on Monday 22 October 2007 with a closing date of 14 December 2007.
  2. Responses to the Consultation Document can be e-mailed to cssu.account@delni.gov.uk external link or sent by post to:
    Mrs Judith Shaw
    Careers and Guidance Services Branch
    Department for Employment and Learning
    Lesley Buildings
    Fountain Street
    Belfast, BT1 5EX
  3. Published in February 2006, ‘Success Through Skills - the Northern Ireland Skills Strategy’, is the overarching strategy within the Department for Employment and Learning and sets out a vision of skills in Northern Ireland in 2015.
  4. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
  5. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned