| The young people from the six council areas of the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) area attended the event on Tuesday, May 17, in Armagh City Hotel Conference Centre.
They were welcomed by SELB Chairman Moira Alexander and the Deputy Mayor of Armagh City and District Council, Councillor John Campbell. Michael Raffety and John Wilson also gave an account of their personal experience in finding employment and the benefits of working.
Broadening Horizons facilitated the vocational aspirations and learning needs of the young people, helping them discover new and interesting areas of potential employment. People with disabilities, employers, service providers, parents/carers and other professions had a chance to find out what is available in their local area.
Broadening Horizons is the result of a successful partnership between the SELB, the Northern Ireland Union of Supported Employment (NIUSE)Southern Branch and the Southern Area Business Education Partnership.
Aidan McCormick , SELB Officer for Careers and Vocational Education, said: “I am delighted we could facilitate the event and bring more than 60 exhibitors to Armagh . We are indebted to the business community , further education, service providers and schools for their support.
As educators, parents and members of the business community we have an obligation to empower all our young people to make appropriate decisions with growing confidence.”
Edyth Dunlop of NIUSE said: “Leaving school, getting a job or changing jobs is a big step in everyone's life and in particular for people with disabilities. The Interactive Careers Information Event Convention also provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to know what is available and who will assist them towards finding the career of their choice in the local area. NIUSE Southern Branch is delighted to be part of this partnership in organising this event.Alison Miller, teacher of the Leavers’ Class at Sperrinview School , Dungannon, said: “Our pupils had been preparing for days to come to this event. There was great excitement and the pupils really enjoyed the opportunity to join in the activities and get the feel of what the world of work is all about.”
Lynda McKinney, Employment Services Manager, MENCAP commented: “The Interactive Careers Information Event was an excellent event for students an d adults to experience the world of work and have the opportunity to speak to employers and learn about what they expect from potential employees.”
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