Next Round Of College Open Days Announced

The Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry, has launched the next round of college open days for prospective students.

Minister Farry said that the open days at six further education Colleges provides a "unique opportunity for prospective students and their parents/guardians to explore the range of courses and learning opportunities on offer at each regional campus."

The Minister said: "Our local Colleges can provide different routes to achieving your future goals, offering a wide variety of options including apprenticeships, higher level apprenticeships, foundation degrees, vocational qualifications and essential skills courses.

"For many young people thinking about the future, their career decisions can seem daunting which is why attending open day events is so crucial. Prospective students will get the opportunity to talk to teaching staff, chat to students already studying at the College, learn more about subject areas and course options, and see the state of the art facilities first-hand.

"People look to our colleges to learn new skills or engage in learning to help them prepare for the future. I recently launched the Further Education Strategy 'Further Education Means Success', which sets out the future direction of further education to ensure that colleges continue to fulfil the important dual role of helping to develop a strong and vibrant economy, and supporting social inclusion.

"No matter what stage you are at in your career, whether starting out and making initial careers choices or deciding to upskill or reskill to improve your employability and career prospects, skills are vital at all levels and throughout everyone's working life.

"I would encourage you to attend a College Open Day and witness at first hand the wealth of learning opportunities available to you."

Colleges Northern Ireland Chief Executive, Gerry Campbell, added: "The role of professional and technical education has never been more vital to the growth and prosperity of Northern Ireland's economy.

"I would encourage parents, guardians and young people to take the opportunity to attend one of the FE College Open Days where they will be impressed both by the breadth of educational provision on offer and the world class facilities available."

Academic, careers and student support staff will be on hand at each open day to advise, guide and help everyone attending. Events will host exhibitions of students' work, tours of the facilities, industry seminars and curriculum and careers workshops.

(MH/JP)