Ministers open the inaugural meeting of the Careers Advisory Forum

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry and Education Minister John O’Dowd opened the first meeting of the Careers Advisory Forum today.

The Forum is made up of representatives from business, education and other key stakeholder groups who will advise both departments on current and future careers provision as well as facilitate stakeholder involvement.

Employment and Learning Minister Farry said:

“Advisory groups like this are hugely important because of the wide-ranging views they represent and the combined expertise they can bring to the important issue of careers advice.

“My Department’s Careers Service plays a pivotal role in providing impartial careers advice, ensuring individuals are aware of the opportunities available to help them secure and progress in rewarding employment. Matching labour market supply and demand is still a major issue for us.

“It is vital that individuals of all ages make informed career decisions aware of the employment growth sectors, and the skills, attributes and qualifications most valued by employers. This will not only benefit the individual but also our economic prosperity and wider society. Ensuring our people have the right skills and qualifications will allow us to compete successfully for inward investment and well paid jobs in the global market place.

“The Forum will ensure that stakeholders will be given a platform to voice their opinions on the Careers system and help to shape how the careers system will support the needs of individuals and the economy in the future.”

Education Minister John O’Dowd said:

“The quality of careers education has improved significantly in recent years, but I am not complacent. There is always room for improvement and I am confident that this forum can make an important contribution to further enhancing and improving our careers system and ultimately the life chances of our young people.

“Our priority is to open pathways and possibilities for young people, no matter what their ability, and support them as they work through a period in their lives when they are discovering who they are and what they want to do. Careers education in schools is about equipping young people to manage their own careers in a fast changing world.

“Helping them become good careers decision-makers, to gain an understanding of the world of work, to provide them with the skills to secure employment and become successful employees and employers.

“I wish you well in your endeavours and am confident that this will be a fruitful partnership.” 

Notes to editors: 

1. The Forum members are as follows:

- Judith Gillespie, former Deputy Chief Constable, PSNI
- Mike Mullan, Human Resources Director Europe for Moy Park Ltd, CBI
- Christopher Morrow, Policy Manager, Northern Ireland Chambers of Commerce and Industry
- Wilfred Mitchell, FSB N.I.
- Clare-Anne Magee, Director of the Parenting Forum, Parenting NI
- Kevin Doherty, Chief Executive, Disability Action
- Mrs Carol Fitzsimons, Chief Executive, Young Enterprise Northern Ireland
- Una McKernan, Deputy Chief Executive, NICVA
- Lisa Toland, Head of Economic Initiatives and International Development at Belfast City Council, SOLACE
- Justin Edwards, Chief Executive, CCEA
- Gerard Campbell, Chief Executive, Colleges NI
- Alison Smyth, EA Western Region CASS Adviser, Education Authority
- Gearoid Rafferty, Inspector of Schools, ETI
- Mr Damian McGivern, Director of Employability and Marketing, Ulster University.
- Ms Clare Moore, Communications, Northern Ireland Committee Irish Congress of Trades Unions (NIC-ICTU)

2. Careers education is the responsibility of the Department of Education and delivered by schools, while responsibility for careers guidance, which is an all-age service, sits with the Department for Employment and Learning. Careers education enables learners to develop their knowledge, and understanding of job opportunities, to manage their career development, and make relevant informed choices, ensuring successful transition into education, training or employment. Careers guidance builds on this knowledge and understanding, providing impartial and personalised advice, taking into account aspirations and ability, helping people to make the right career choices to fulfil their potential.

3. The Department for Employment and Learning is currently running the Skills to Succeed campaign encouraging the public and employers to find out more about the range of programmes and assistance that are available. You can find out more on nidirect or by calling 0300 200 7876. Follow the “Skills to Succeed” campaign on Facebook or on LinkedIn.

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