Business

Careers evenings for parents planned for four venues during May

Minister Farry launches the careers evenings with (from left) DEL careers manager Claire O'Reilly, careers adviser Jillian Gordon and Careers Service head Frances O'Hara
Minister Farry launches the careers evenings with (from left) DEL careers manager Claire O'Reilly, careers adviser Jillian Gordon and Careers Service head Frances O'Hara Minister Farry launches the careers evenings with (from left) DEL careers manager Claire O'Reilly, careers adviser Jillian Gordon and Careers Service head Frances O'Hara

The Department for Employment and Learning’s (DEL) Careers Service is to host a series of information evenings later this month for parents and guardians of pupils in Years 9, 10, 12 and 14 to raise awareness of the important role they have in their child’s future career plans and decision making.

The seminars - taking place in Belfast, Derry, Ballymena and Omagh - will also outline the exciting opportunities that exist in the world-class science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) companies in Northern Ireland.

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said: “Young people need help to make the right choices from the many options open to them. The role of parents in influencing the career decision making process of their children is of paramount importance.

"The findings in the 'Young Person’s Behaviour and Attitudes Survey' report stated that parents and guardians are most influential (72 per cent) in encouraging pupils to think about going to further education college or university, compared to friends (10 per cent) which is the next most influential group.”

Invitations for the information evenings are being issued to all post primary schools in Northern Ireland for distribution to parents in the relevant year groups and to local council representatives. Parents can reserve a place at one of the evenings by contacting their local careers office.

The Minister added: “I want to make sure that as our economy grows, no one is left behind and everyone is fully supported to achieve their ambitions and full potential. I would urge parents and guardians to attend the events and meet the DEL careers adviser assigned to their child’s school to view the facilities and resources on offer and to find out about the range of help and support available from my Department’s Careers Service.”

Events are planned for:

:: Resource Centre, Ann Street, Belfast - May 14 (two sessions)

:: Ballymena Library, 5 Pat's Brae, Ballymena - May 14

:: Careers Resource Centre, Richmond Chambers, The Diamond, Derry - May 21

:: Omagh Library, 1 Spillars Place, Irishtown Road, Omagh - May 26

Further information and contact details for the Careers Service are available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers or by calling 0300 200 7820. Parents can request a copy of the guide by emailing the Careers Service at: csni@delni.gov.uk or download it from www.delni.gov.uk/parental-guide.