Nine out of ten people leaving Northern Ireland further-education colleges in 2024-25 moved into work, further study or another positive destination, according to a new official outcomes report. Employment was the largest single route, recorded for 57% of leavers covered by the survey.
A further 33% re-enrolled in education. Among those continuing to study, 86% moved to a higher level, indicating that colleges are functioning both as direct routes into work and as stages in longer qualification pathways. Five per cent of respondents were recorded as unemployed.
The report gives additional detail on job quality. Fifty-seven per cent of employed respondents met the publication's measure of a good job, 46% said their qualification was required for the role and 95% were working in Northern Ireland. One quarter were employed in priority sectors identified by economic policy.
Outcomes statistics follow leavers after their course and are distinct from enrolment or qualification figures. Survey response, the range of courses and the time at which a person is contacted can all affect interpretation, so the headline percentages should be read with the methodology and supporting tables.
The Department for the Economy said the release is intended to help colleges, learners and policymakers assess what happens after study. Future editions will show whether the balance between employment and further learning changes as labour demand, course provision and higher-level training routes develop.