ACCURATE, up to date careers information is crucial for job hunters seeking employment, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
He was speaking at the launch of a series of careers information fact sheets, available on the NI Direct website, providing information on employment opportunities, qualification requirements, wages and job trends within a variety of occupational sectors in Northern Ireland.
Dr Farry said: “This is a valuable source of local job information, providing an analysis of current and future employment trends within 24 industries in Northern Ireland.
“The information within these fact sheets should be considered by anyone of any age planning a career, looking for a change in employment, or weighing up future study.
“The importance of up to date information, provided by employers and relevant to the local job market, is a crucial factor when making decisions on a future career path.
“The fact sheets are a useful resource for clients, parents, industry, careers teachers and others involved in providing advice and guidance.”
The fact sheets are updated in collaboration with industry and DEL statisticians and cover sectors ranging from the creative and cultural industries, financial services to information technology and science based jobs.
The new-look fact sheets have been welcomed by the Sector Skills Councils in Northern Ireland.
Each council supplied the information contained within the fact sheet, relevant to their sector.
Siobhan Weir, SkillsActive Northern Ireland manager, said: “The fact sheets include helpful information such as a brief overview of the relevant sector, an outline of the main qualifications and skills needed to gain entry to the sector and a graphical representation of the main current and future employment trends within each sector.
“There is a useful section on the main opportunities for prospective employees and a summary of the skills and qualities each industry is typically looking for.
“Helpful information on the working environment and working patterns complete this attractive and user-friendly career resource.”