Minister urges students to use Careers Service

The Minister for Employment and Learning has urged post-exam students in Northern Ireland to take advantage of the professional advice and guidance on offer from her department’s Careers Service.

Carmel Hanna said that this time of the year "is always a time of excitement and nervous anticipation", but urged students to consider their options carefully and consult the professional careers information and guidance delivered by the Department for Employment and Learning’s Careers Service.

“Whatever your results it is vitally important that you do not make hasty decisions and that you realise that there are many options to consider," she added.

"The Careers Officer will help you to examine the range of options available to you and will provide advice and information on a wide range of issues."

Operating throughout the network of 35 JobCentres across Northern Ireland, the Careers Service is staffed by experienced careers officers, professionally qualified to provide information and guidance to young people and adults.

Information and support available ranges from: making the most of better than anticipated results; applying for alternative courses through clearing; choosing AS and A level subjects; choosing vocational education courses (at school or college); considering traineeships and modern apprenticeships; planning a GAP year; considering full time and part time employment; and applying for financial support.”

“On the issue of financial support it is important to note that it is not too late to apply. If you have just decided to enter Higher Education you should contact your local Education and Library Board as soon as possible," she said.

From September 2002, Higher Education Bursaries of up to £1,500 are available to students from low-income families – that is, household income of up to £15K. Students should contact their local Education and Library Board to check their eligibility.

Ms Hanna added: "Whatever your results, or whatever stage you are at in terms of education, training or employment, if you are unsure about the way ahead, advice can be obtained by telephone or by arranging an individual guidance interview with a Careers Officer.”

(GMcG)