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.
