Technology and Design in NI Needs Clearer Vision to Support Future Workforce, New Report Warns

A new report examining the health, wellbeing and future of Technology and Design (T&D) in Northern Ireland has highlighted the subject’s critical role in preparing young people for the skills needed in a rapidly evolving economy. 

The report, launched this week at Stranmillis University College, brings together insights from educators, researchers and stakeholders across the education sector. It follows a conference hosted by Stranmillis in June 2025 which explored the current challenges and opportunities facing the subject. 

Produced by a consortium representing teacher education provision for Technology and Design in Northern Ireland – Stranmillis University College, St Mary’s University College and Ulster University – the report draws on engagement with teachers, schools and sector stakeholders to examine how the subject is evolving within the curriculum. 

The findings highlight Technology and Design’s unique ability to develop creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving, while also supporting pathways into key sectors of the economy including the trades, engineering and advanced manufacturing. 

However, the report also identifies a number of challenges currently facing the subject, including misconceptions about its value, resource disparities between schools and ongoing uncertainty around its identity within the curriculum. 

Key findings include: 

• Unclear subject identity: Technology and Design is increasingly broad, with varying interpretations across schools. 

• Recognition challenges: The subject is sometimes perceived as less important than traditional academic subjects. 

• Resource pressures: Funding and equipment limitations affect the delivery of the subject in some schools. 

• Gender imbalance: Participation remains male-dominated in some contexts. 

• Influences on pupil choice: Timetabling, school policies and external perceptions all shape uptake. 

A central theme emerging from the conference was the potential of Project-Based Learning (PBL) to strengthen the subject.

Lead investigator Dr Michael Ievers said “By focusing on real-world challenges and collaborative problem-solving, PBL can help unify the diverse strands of Technology and Design while equipping pupils with the skills increasingly valued by employers.”

The report concludes that Technology and Design is uniquely positioned to connect education with real-world innovation and industry, and calls for renewed attention to its role within curriculum development and education policy in Northern Ireland. 

Download the full report here.