That was the message from Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, who today launched a series of easy-to-use industry Factsheets. Designed for use by young people, adults and careers practitioners, the Factsheets will improve access to careers information by providing a wealth of facts and figures about jobs and industries in Northern Ireland.
Sir Reg said: “The importance of easily accessible and up-to-date labour market information is recognised in ‘Success through Skills’, the Department’s Skills Strategy and also in ‘Preparing for Success’, the Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Strategy for Northern Ireland. In the current economic downturn, it has never been more important for young people and adults to make informed and appropriate career decisions. These Factsheets will be a welcome resource in helping to make those decisions.”
The Factsheets were produced by the Department for Employment and Learning’s (DEL) Careers Service, in conjunction with the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils.
Judith Thompson, of the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils, said: “Along with details of a variety of occupations, the Factsheets provide information on job prospects, relevant skills and entry requirements and highlight current vacancies and skill shortages within each of the Sector Skills Council areas. They will better equip careers practitioners to give people up-to-date information about the full range of career opportunities available, helping them to make better informed choices for their future.”
The Factsheets are available to download from the Careers Service website 
Notes to Editors:
1. The 25 Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent employer-led organisations responsible for tackling the skills and productivity needs of a specific sector across the UK.
2. The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils is the collective voice of all 25 licensed Sector Skills Councils. With offices in Belfast, London, Cardiff and Edinburgh, it plays a critical role in ensuring that the voice of employers influences skills strategy and training provision.
3. Judith Thompson, Northern Ireland Manager of Skills for Justice, is Chair of the Alliance of SSC’s Northern Ireland Labour Market Intelligence Group.
4. All media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office Tel: 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
