To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the careers (i) guidance; and (ii) support, provided by her Department in special schools to encourage employment options for young people with disabilities.

My Department’s Careers Service offers impartial and personalised guidance and support on an all-age, all-ability basis, provided by professionally qualified Careers Advisers. This support empowers clients to make their own learning and career decisions, based on up to date labour market information, knowledge of career pathway options and an understanding of their own strengths, talents, skills and interests.Through established partnership working with post-primary schools, including special schools, careers services are prioritised for pupils with barriers and those who are considered vulnerable and most in need. This includes those with a disability, a medical condition and a statement of Special Educational Need. For young people with a statement of Special Educational Need, Careers Advisers attend Transition Plan Meetings and their subsequent Annual Reviews at the invitation of the school. This support allows young people, and their parents and guardians, to make informed decisions about the options available to them on the range of educational, training and employment opportunities. Careers Advisers continue to work with pupils beyond school, assisting with next steps and planning of their career pathway to ensure they are fully supported in the transition from school to adult provision and employment. The provision of appropriate, timely and specialised careers guidance is key to enabling individuals of all ages and abilities to make informed career decisions. The recently published Careers Action Plan recognises this and sets out a programme of collaborative work which will improve the careers ecosystem for the benefit of all individuals. Building on dedicated initiatives already under way, specific action will be taken to strengthen the support for children and young people with special educational needs and to improve pathways to appropriate learning and employment opportunities. My Department’s Careers Service has a key role in this work. You may also be aware of the proposals for reform that I outlined to Assembly colleagues on 16th June which, with the right investment, will improve and enhance the support and provision for learners with special educational needs.