Organised by Seagate and Foyle School and Employer Connections (FOSEC) the event celebrated the continued links between the world of work and education.
FOSEC runs a number of programmes to help students begin to develop "work ready skills" including work experience, online careers guidance and Adopt-a-Class.
Speaking at Seagate, Ms Ruane said "Programmes such as these help school children begin developing the skills they will need when they enter employment. This initiative also ties in closely with the employability theme in the revised curriculum and helps young people make informed decisions on the possible career paths they may wish to follow.
"I have already signalled my intention, through the roll-out of the Entitlement Framework, to ensure that students have access to a wider range of subjects. Post-14, our children will have access to at least 24 courses and, from 16 years of age, to 27 courses - at least a third of which must be academic and a third professional/technical.
"The work carried out through this valuable programme will enable the young people benefiting from the widened horizons provided by the Entitlement Framework to gain a valuable insight into the varied career options open to them."
Notes to Editors:
- As part of the day Seagate presented 15 local schools with their 'Seagate Perpetual Trophies' to be used in the promotion of science subjects within their schools.
- Seagate will be making a £10,000 donation to FOSEC at the event.
- For media queries please contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701.
- Outside office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
