New Initiative To Support Belfast’s Young People To Develop Their Future Careers

Young people across Belfast are being given the opportunity to take part in a new initiative designed to support them in their future careers.

More than 4,000 teens across the city will taken part in the Belfast City Council’s Career Development Programme which will provide post-primary school pupils with opportunities to experience the world of work, support them to make informed career choices and enable them to develop skills in innovation, creativity and enterprise.

Taking place over two years e will give young people at risk of not attaining five GCSE grades additional support, including mentoring.

Councillor Mairéad O’Donnell, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee said: “We’re focused on creating quality employment for young people through our Belfast Agenda.  We want pupils, parents and teachers to be better informed about the growth sectors in Belfast, where employment opportunities exist, and the best career pathways to take.

“Educational attainment is obviously important for career success, but so too is an awareness of the world of work, real life work experience and the opportunity to engage with employers and role models. So that’s why we’ve established the Career Development Programme, to provide that vital wrap around support to help our young people succeed.”

A range of workshops and an enterprise competition will help to develop business, creative and innovation skills and alternative career pathways including self-employment and vocational routes, such as apprenticeships will be highlighted.  Employers in key growth sectors including the creative industries and financial services will also promote career opportunities.

Darren Nixon, Senior Education Consultant and Partner with eye4education added: “We’re contacting Belfast schools to offer their pupils the chance to register for the Career Development Programme.  And we’re excited to welcome our first intake of students, as we know that this level of support is exactly what’s needed to give pupils the motivation and encouragement they need at this vital stage of development.”

For more information on the Career Development Programme, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/employability