Economy Minister Dr and Education Minister
have today launched a three-year
Careers Action Plan.
The Action Plan follows a programme of collaborative work by the
Department for the Economy and the Department of Education and
sets out a range of practical measures that will grow and improve
careers services for people of all ages across Northern Ireland.
Minister Archibald said: “This Action Plan is the first
of its kind in more than a decade and will reform delivery of
careers educational services so that even more people can
benefit, and from a younger age.
“Actions include introducing careers education from
primary school age, strengthening provision for learners with
special educational needs, and developing a new digital careers
portal. Delivering this Plan will make it easier for everyone –
young people and adults – to get the support they need to plan
their futures and access good jobs.”
The Action Plan will see providers of careers services both in
and outside of school settings work more closely, share resources
and knowledge, embrace new technologies, drive professionalism,
and collaborate to benefit users of all ages.
Education Minister said: “I want to ensure
that careers-related learning starts early in the curriculum and
there is meaningful engagement with the world of work for all our
learners, particularly those who face barriers to
opportunity.
“The increased choice of qualifications and pathways
available to young people means that it is more important than
ever for young people to receive high quality careers education,
information, advice and guidance.
“This Action Plan provides a framework for ensuring
careers teachers have the appropriate training and support to
provide this to all learners at all stages.”
The Careers Action Plan contains seven key strategic outcomes,
with associated actions to:
- Establish a careers ecosystem that connects people of all
ages to learning and employment opportunities throughout their
lives.
- Introduce careers education in primary schools, with
impactful initiatives and programmes supported by information
resources at each stage.
- Build quality and capacity across the careers system by
establishing quality standards and developing the capacity of all
partners within the careers system to deliver high quality and
consistent support.
- Reform careers delivery, including the provision offered in
schools and with adults and better identifying and targeting
those most in need.
- Strengthen special educational needs provision (SEN), and for
those who experience barriers at all ages, including the
introduction of new technologies and delivery processes.
- Develop a careers portal providing resources for people of
all ages which will bridge the gap between education,
skills and the economy.
- Work with parents, carers and partners as key influencers of
the users of our services including resources and enhanced
communication.
Read the Careers Action Plan 2025-2028 at: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/careers-action-plan-2025-2028
