Career pathways in Northern Ireland

Several secondary school pupils and a teacher in a classroom partaking in a science lesson. Some students are doing experiments while others watch.

Northern Irish skills and career pathways 

Discover the skills and careers pathways available to students in Northern Ireland. In-school qualifications such as GCSEs and vocational qualifications such as BTEC Level 2. Maths, science, geography and design and technology are great subjects for students to choose. 

For post-16 students, apprenticeships (including advanced apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships) combine workplace training with studying. Alternatively, TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Design, Engineer, Construct offers practical experience in the built environment sector. 

In Higher Education, university degree and foundation degree courses can offer more general engineering courses, or cover specific fields of engineering, computer science, manufacturing or technology. 

Career route maps

Considering option choices and future steps with your students? Map it out using our national career route map for Northern Ireland. Download it for free and display on your classroom wall.

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Careers resources 

Discover more careers resources to support your students. Find out more about what engineering is, the types of engineering jobs and what a future career looks like. 

Real jobs

Hear from real people doing real engineering and technology jobs. Watch our short videos to learn what these inspiring STEM professionals love about their role, what they do and how they got started. These case studies showcase different industries, roles and career paths.