Debate contribution: Supporting Learning Pathways for our Young People

Debate contribution by Mr Pádraig Delargy on 4 February 2025.

MLA

Mr Pádraig Delargy

Party at the time

Sinn Féin

Date

4 February 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Supporting Learning Pathways for our Young People

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4779561

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I welcome the support for the motion from the Members who have spoken so far. The motion is about a pupil-first approach. It is about strong opportunities for collaboration and sharing resources better. The motion is about how we can work together. There has been a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) focus and an Economy focus on the issue. We have all identified that there are skills gaps and that we need to reform the Careers Service careers guidance. However, we have had that conversation for the last 20 years, and we could have it for another 20. The motion is about bringing forward a necessary prerequisite to a broader conversation on careers, which we would welcome very much. We need to work to find a solution. This is about equity across all sectors. It is about a consistent approach. We have seen sixth-form numbers staying consistent over the last 15 years, but we have seen almost a 50% drop in enrolments in further education. As a teacher by profession, I recognise the work of our school staff and our Careers Service and their commitment to young people. This conversation is particularly pertinent, as budgets are tight in schools. We can all agree that all our Departments are underfunded because of a lack of support from the British Government. That means that schools are not only financially incentivised but are under a financial imperative to keep students in school. A competitive environment can have benefits, but it also creates duplication in this context. There is clear delineation in the South between education and training boards (ETBs), colleges and schools, and there are clear focuses. For example, many schools here teach construction and motor vehicle studies, but our colleges often have a much greater wealth of equipment and resources than our schools. By fostering a closer working relationship, we can ensure that all students have access to state-of-the-art resources. I welcome the fact that progress has been made on the 14-to-19 strategy, and, of course, that needs to continue. It is a golden opportunity, and it is one that we cannot miss if we are to ensure that there is collaborative working across all Departments and if we are to show a unified agenda and show that, in word and deed, we are all committed to developing a skills agenda. Our solutions must be caveated by the fact that, in calling for the review, it is imperative that schools, colleges and, most important, students have the most important voice in the room.

I was going to respond to both amendments, so I will do that now for clarity. On the DUP amendment, I recognise the need for collaboration. I implore that, but it is important for us to look at a specific element of the broader careers conversation. While we very much welcome the broader conversation, I will not support the DUP amendment on the basis that the motion is about a specific element that is a necessary prerequisite. I will support the Alliance amendment, because, while we focused on one element, I recognise that it enhances the broader conversation. In this context, the DUP amendment fundamentally shifts the basis of it, but I am happy to have a broader conversation. There are models across other countries that we can look at to enhance the model that we have here. There are models in Finland, Scotland, Australia and France that look at different national priorities. They focus on need by region, deprivation and other factors, which we do not have here. I mentioned a number of the positive educational elements to this approach, but the economic conversation will have a hugely transformative and positive impact on identifying the broader skills gaps that we have. This approach is a win for schools, it is a win for colleges but, most important, it is a win for students. Fundamentally, the careers piece cannot move forward without this approach being looked at. It is a necessary prerequisite. I encourage members to support the motion.

669 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:52 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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