Student Work Experience opportunities with the Northern Ireland Assembly
During 2024/25, the Education Service launched new work experience opportunities for students in partnership with Speakers for Schools.
Over 50 students from a range of schools across Northern Ireland took part in an online insight day (November 2024) where students got the opportunity to learn more about the role of the Assembly, how Committees work and the work of a Research Officer. Students also had the opportunity to put questions to the chairperson of the Education Committee.
In June 2025, 10 students from different schools and a range of constituencies including Belfast, Strangford, East Londonderry, North Down, South Down, Newry & Armagh and Mid Ulster, took part in a 3-day placement in Parliament Buildings.
Students took on the role of journalists and put questions to MLAs from 7 Parties. Discussion was centred around current affairs and career backgrounds. Students also got the opportunity to meet the Speaker, Edwin Poots MLA, and hear about what it is like to chair debates in the Chamber.
Staff from Committees, Hansard, Research, Communications and Legal Services also met with students to explain what their job involves and their career path.
Feedback about being on placement was positive and students reported being surprised by the range of job roles in Parliament Buildings. Some students were so inspired that they contacted the staff they met to find out more about their job.
The Education Service team thoroughly enjoyed having such a great bunch of young people join us on placement. We are looking forward to meeting even more students this academic year as we continue our partnership with Speakers for Schools. Look out for more information on the Speakers for Schools portal about the online placement (27 & 28 November 2025) and the 3-day in person placement (9-11 June 2026).
