News

Derry City and Strabane District Council Inspires Future Careers Through Future Pathways Event

15 October 2026

Derry City and Strabane District Council's Skills Department recently welcomed post-primary school pupils from across the district to its highly successful Future Pathways Careers Event, designed to inspire young people and help them make informed decisions about their future education, training and career opportunities.

The event brought together a wide range of employers, industry representatives, Training providers, Further Education (FE) providers and universities, giving students a unique opportunity to explore a variety of career pathways and gain valuable insights into the world of work.

Throughout the day, pupils engaged directly with professionals from key sectors including manufacturing, engineering, construction, healthcare, hospitality, digital technology, public services and many others. Through interactive demonstrations, discussions and hands-on activities, students were able to gain a first-hand understanding of the skills, qualifications and personal attributes required to succeed in different industries.

Representatives from local training providers, Further Education colleges and universities were also on hand to provide information on courses, apprenticeships, higher education opportunities and progression routes available to young people after school.

Speaking about the event, a spokesperson from the Council's Skills Department said:

"Future Pathways is designed to broaden young people's horizons and showcase the wide range of opportunities available to them both locally and beyond. By bringing together employers, education providers and industry experts under one roof, we can help students make informed decisions about their future careers and understand the pathways available to achieve their ambitions."

The event forms part of the Council's ongoing commitment to supporting skills development, employability and economic growth within the region. It also highlights the importance of strengthening links between education and industry to ensure young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for the future workforce.

Feedback from both exhibitors and schools was extremely positive, with many praising the opportunity for meaningful engagement between students, employers and education providers.

Derry City and Strabane District Council would like to thank all participating organisations, schools, colleges, universities and employers who contributed to making the event a success and helping to inspire the next generation of talent.