General Teaching Council Northern Ireland

Education can open many doors

DE

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has said that young people who get the most from their education are giving themselves maximum advantage in life.

The Minister was speaking after officially opening the West Belfast Business Education Partnership Careers Convention. The Convention was attended by around 1,400 students from the ten post-primary schools in West Belfast. Around 20 employers and training organisations, in addition to a number of further education providers were available to answer questions from the young people on opportunities for their futures.

Minister Ruane said: “Education is the key to many doors in life and, since becoming Education Minister, my priority has been to help every young person achieve to their fullest potential. I have made equality the cornerstone of education and put it at the heart of every education policy as we work to raise standards in every area.

“Children and young people can greatly increase their advantages in life through education. But, that education should not just focus on examination results. It needs to be able to look after a wide ability range and prepare school leavers for the ever changing global community. The main focus of the Convention is on STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers which are so important for the future.

“Our children and young people are our future and we have to encourage and support them in the decisions they take. This Careers Convention provides a valuable opportunity for young people to explore the options they have in coming years, whether that is to continue with their studies or move into the world of work. It will help students understand the skills employers are looking for and also assist local schools develop closer links with business.”