Success For Career Event In Limavady

More than 70 young people from the Limavady area attended the career advice event held in the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre last week.

Organised by Invest Northern Ireland in conjunction with the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), the event featured presentations, advice, and one to one discussions for those aged 16-24.

Sharon Polson, Regional Business Manager, Invest NI commented on the event said: "The Princes Trust, Advantage NI, DEL, North West Regional College and Invest NI representatives provided tailored, specialist advice to local young people. The attendees were enthusiastic and spent considerable time talking to the various representatives about a range of issues from training, job placement or starting a business to interview preparation. This event demonstrated that by working in partnership, we can help our young people to develop the confidence and knowledge required to seek out career opportunities."

Companies with a local presence were in attendance and registered their interest in DEL's Youth Employment Scheme. The event also included a keynote speech from local entrepreneur Cathy Bell from Coleraine who, after many months of planning, set up her own online business socialmouse.co.uk earlier this month with support from the Princes Trust. Cathy provided a personal and detailed insight into the challenges and rewards of establishing and setting up a business.

Local MP Gregory Campbell addressed the attendees said: "I would like to thank all of those who worked together to make this event such a success. Limavady, like many rural areas in Northern Ireland, has experienced its share of economic difficulties. As we work our way out of the recession we need to ensure that local young people, the future of our economy, are empowered and supported in their career aspirations. This event provided much needed access to advice and support so that young people in the Limavady area know they are not alone and have the potential to make a valuable contribution to the economy."

(CD)