Further education

On 14 April 2026, the Minister met with Colleges and Trade unions to launch a new programme - FE - Fit for the Future to ensure colleges are properly equipped to deliver for learners and for employers over the next decade and beyond.

Over the past ten years, the Department for the Economy, through the Further Education Capital Projects Team, has worked closely with colleges to deliver £192m of capital developments across the sector.

The Department for the Economy is responsible for setting the minimum qualification requirements to teach in the further education sector in Northern Ireland.

The Department for the Economy (DfE) is responsible for the policy, strategic development and financing of the statutory further education sector.

These statistical releases are produced by the department using data collected from the further education (FE) colleges in Northern Ireland.

The department commissions research projects to inform the implementation of its policies, programs and initiatives in regards to further education (FE).

Seven local students have been selected to take part in EuroSkills as part of Team UK

Reappointments

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If you decide to stay on at school or go to a further education college in Northern Ireland, you may be able to get the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). It is available for both academic and vocational courses.