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Minister welcomes employer support for Career Academies initiative

24 January 2012

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has paid tribute to the vital role local employers have played in the Careers Academies initiative.

The Minister was speaking at a reception for the Northern Ireland Regional Council for Career Academies, held in Belfast Metropolitan College’s new Titanic Quarter campus.  Career Academies work with further education colleges in Northern Ireland to offer students an opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills through site visits, lectures, local mentors and completing a six week paid internship.

The Minister said: “The Career Academy programme is an excellent way for our young people to gain practical business skills and experience to prepare them for employment while they are studying.  Addressing the issue of youth unemployment is a key issue for the economy and this initiative provides valuable work experience opportunities to enhance the skills and abilities of our young people.”

The Minister continued: “The success of the Career Academy programme in Northern Ireland would not be possible without the buy in from local employers who have facilated the programme through site visits, hosting lectures, providing employees as mentors and offering quality job placements.  Their leadership and commitment to training, especially during this difficult economic time, is to be applauded.

“The benefits for employers include the development of their own staff, the injection of fresh ideas into their businesses, and the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to provide skills and support to the next generation of employees.”

Welcoming the Regional Council to the College, Marie-Therese McGivern, Director of the Belfast Metropolitan College, said:  “The benefits that students gain in participating in the Careers Academy programme of events, all of which are focused on students’ chosen areas of study, are immense.  It is also particularly rewarding to see how young people’s confidence grows through involvement with a Career Academy.”

James McCreary, a Ballyclare man who is the Chief Executive of Career Academies UK, said:  “Career Academies UK is committed to the development of our talented young people. Opportunities for career development come in many different forms, and our job is to maximise these opportunities and give our students the tools they need to carve successful careers and bright futures. I am delighted that so many key business supporters from Northern Ireland are represented here this evening to ensure that this is made possible for the students in this community.”

For more information on Career Academies UK please visit http://www.careeracademies.org.uk/ external link

Notes to editors:

1. Local employers involved in providing internships for students taking part in the Career Academies programme include:

  • Ashtree Financial Services - Newry
  • Autoline Insurance Group – Offices in Dungannon and Belfast
  • AXA Insurance – Offices across Northern Ireland
  • Brian McCullagh (Accountants) - Newry
  • Harmony Electrical Systems - Lisburn
  • Kilmorey Arms Hotel - Kilkeel
  • Iveagh Leisure Services- Banbridge
  • Newry & Mourne District Council - Newry
  • Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency - Newry
  • Northern Bank – Offices across Northern Ireland
  • Ulster Bank – Offices across Northern Ireland

2. Photographs from the event are available by calling the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7793 or at http://www.flickr.com/photos/niexecutive/collections/ external link

3. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7492.  Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.