To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to the Careers Action Plan 2025-2028, to detail (i) at what age careers education will be introduced in primary schools; and (ii) how this content will be tailored to suit younger pupils at different developmental stages.

The ‘Independent Review of Careers’, produced by Dr Deirdre Hughes, highlighted that early engagement with children on careers education is beneficial and recommended the need to introduce careers education in primary schools. The value and importance of this is reflected in the careers action plan.

Steps have already been taken to support the delivery of careers education in primary schools through the Drawing the Future programme.

In 2024 all primary schools in Northern Ireland were invited to participate in ‘Drawing the Future’. This programme is aimed at Key Stage 2 learners (Primary 5-7). It is based on Primary Futures which was developed by the Education and Employers charity whose programmes have featured as examples of good practice in OECD case study collections. The programme adopts an engaging and age-appropriate approach which involves learners drawing a picture of what job they would like to do in the future and asking them several brief questions, including:

if they knew anyone who did that job and if not, how they had heard about it;

their favourite school subject;

age;

gender;

why the job is of interest and what other jobs they are interested in; and

if they think they might go to university or do an apprenticeship.

This is followed up with direct engagement with employers who participate in a range of activities with the children aimed at broadening their awareness of careers, increasing their understanding of the world of work and raising their aspirations.

The “Drawing the Future: Exploring the Career Aspirations of Children in Northern Ireland” report was published on 29 January 2025. To share learning about the programme the EA continues to hold virtual events with primary schools.

As detailed in the Careers Action Plan, and subject to funding and resources, the Drawing the Future programme will be expanded in primary schools through a mixture of virtual and in-person events.