To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning how the individual needs, circumstances and capabilities of young people on Jobseeker's Allowance are assessed so that they are directed onto programmes which develop skills and provide qualifications in the most appropriate way for them.

My Department, through the Employment Service, provides a tailored one to one service available to all clients including young people on Jobseeker’s Allowance, the aim of which is to identify and work to overcome barriers to employment. Employment Service Advisers deliver this tailored service in our network of 35 frontline Jobs & Benefits offices and JobCentres across Northern Ireland, applying a Work Readiness Toolkit at each interview. Using this Toolkit, an adviser discusses and considers a wide range of personal circumstances with individual clients including:

work history, qualifications, skills, strengths and abilities; and

realistic employment goals in relation to local labour market needs;

job search activity and skills;

any barriers preventing them from securing sustainable employment and the areas of need which should be addressed, e.g. caring responsibilities, health issues;

the elements of provision available to overcome any barriers identified and any specialist assistance required.

Having gathered this information, advisers are able to assess a client’s employability and subsequently, what activities may be required to improve his/her employability and ultimately, to move him/her into sustained employment.

The Employment Service works closely with the Careers Service, referring individuals who would benefit from additional help.

My Department's Careers Service offers impartial and personalised advice and guidance on an all-age basis, provided by professionally qualified advisers. Their aim is to support individuals to make informed decisions about the opportunities available in education, training and apprenticeships to help them fulfil their potential, leading to rewarding and sustained employment. Professionally qualified careers advisers are based in Careers Resource Centres, Jobs & Benefits offices and JobCentres throughout Northern Ireland.