Northern Ireland, with a population of 1.9 million is located on the island of Ireland and forms an integral political part “home country” of the United Kingdom for over 100 years. It also currently benefits from being part of the EU’s Single Market, and this is reflected in it achieving better economic growth than other parts of the UK since Brexit. The Department of Economy commissioned a review of career guidance provision for young people and adults in November 2021. The present report (not a Department publication but available on its website) outlines the background to the review, the review methodology, its findings, and recommendations. It describes existing services.

In the introduction, the Report notes that Northern Ireland currently invests 6m GBP in career guidance services, which represents an under-investment when compared for example to Wales which invests 29m GBP for a population of 3 million and Scotland which invests 50m GBP for a population of 5.5 million. The recommendations include a strong plea for the development of world class digital and blended solutions combined with career education solutions in the formal and community education and training sectors to help citizens to meet the growing challenges for industry and the labour market and those arising from changes in the nature of work.