Local Fianna Fail TD Frank O’Rourke has called on the Government to consider a proposal put forward by some interested parties that a specialist careers advisory service should be put in place to supplement the exiting school provision in the secondary school cycle.

‘The Education Act (1998) states that career guidance is a universal entitlement in the secondary school cycle. I believe that there are a number of weaknesses in the current approach to career guidance which include; the almost sole focus on access to third level education with a lack of information on other options available for students, which may be more suitable for the students and necessary for our country.’

‘For those that do not want to go to Third Level Education, but are more interested, or have greater aptitude, for apprenticeships, the State, together with other stakeholders, should be more proactive in providing guidance to students who wish to pursue these options.’

‘The Department of Education and Science should work with businesses, community and voluntary organisations and other stakeholders, to develop a specialist careers advisory service to supplement the existing school provision approach. A short one-to-one coaching session for all second level students each year is one example of what could be provided, effectively providing a continuous and an holistic approach to career guidance.’

 ’It is critical to prepare young people for life beyond the classroom and ensure that young people, with their parents, are making informed education and career decisions, with a variety of options being considered.’

‘Having external input into career guidance at secondary schools, in my view, will provide better outcomes for all concerned, and have a skills match for the ever changing labour market. More importantly, it increases the options that are available for students and will assist young people in reflecting on their ambitions, interests and abilities.’

‘It is important that apprenticeships are treated with the parity of esteem as compared with higher education options, so that we encourage people to pursue careers based on apprenticeships, skills that a growing economy will always need.’

‘I am calling on the Department of Education and Skills to consider this proposal,’ concluded Deputy O’Rourke.