To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the impact on further education of post-primary schools offering more vocational subjects at sixth form.

My Department is currently working with the Department of Education (DE) on the Transition of Young People into Careers Project which aims to develop a more strategic and joined up approach to education and training provision for 14 to 19 year olds. The development of a collaborative approach to post-16 education will provide an opportunity to clearly articulate the purpose of both Sixth Forms and FE colleges and to explore how they can complement each other in providing young people with the learning pathways which best meet their needs. Given the current budgetary pressures, I am keen to explore this unique opportunity to improve efficiency, quality, reduce duplication and improve outcomes for the learner.

I recognise the importance of providing young people with the vocational skills needed to grow the Northern Ireland economy and my Department is currently investing £220 million in seven new capital projects across the further education sector to provide learners with access to modern industry-standard premises and state of the art facilities.