The Youth Assembly is recruiting!

Imagine standing in the Assembly Chamber in Parliament Buildings, sharing your ideas, and helping shape the future of Northern Ireland…

Since it was formed in 2021, the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly has given young people from all across Northern Ireland the chance to have their voices heard. Every two years, a new cohort of 90 young people in school years 9-12 are chosen to represent their peers, debate important issues, and put forward ideas that can really influence change.

Applications are now open for the third mandate – and it could be your turn to get involved.

No matter who you are or where you’re from, your voice matters. You’ll get training, make new friends, and have the chance to speak directly with decision-makers. It’s fun, challenging, and an amazing opportunity to be heard.

This is your chance to step forward and help lead the way.

Apply now!
Montage of images depicting previous work of the Youth Assembly. This includes Youth Assembly Members taking part in an activity in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Youth Assembly Members posing as a group on the steps in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings, a Youth Assembly Member making a speech during a debate in the Assembly Chamber and three Youth Assembly Members posing with ballot boxes in the Assembly Chamber. The graphic also contains decorative shapes, an image of Parliament Buildings, and text that reads 'Join the Youth Assembly'.

To find out more about the Youth Assembly and what’s involved, you can read our FAQs below.

Applications close Monday 29 September 2025.

Days left until applications close:

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We are now open for applications!

Hear from former Members

What did our former Youth Assembly Members (YAMs) think of their experience? Get an insight into what life is like as a Youth Assembly Member by reading these blogs from former YAMs.

Apply now!

Watch our videos

Watch our videos to help promote the Youth Assembly and encourage you to apply for our third mandate.

Hear from the Speaker of the Assembly, some of our MLAs and from former YAMs who describe what a positive experience the Youth Assembly has been.

The Assembly Speaker

Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots talks about the positive influence of the Youth Assembly.

View transcript.

MLAs and former YAMs

MLAs and former YAMs talk about their experience of the Youth Assembly.

View transcript.

The benefits of the Youth Assembly

Listen to YAMs chat to MLAs on the importance of the Youth Assembly.

View transcript.

Apply now!

Downloadable Resources

To help you promote the Youth Assembly and encourage young people to apply, we have created a number of downloadable assets that you can use to spread the word.

We have posters and presentations that you can download and share.

We’d love to get as many applications as possible so that we can select a new Youth Assembly that truly reflects the views of young people.

Apply now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply now!

 

What is the Youth Assembly?

The Youth Assembly is a platform for young people in school years 9,10,11 and 12 in Northern Ireland to have their voices heard and to influence decisions that affect them. We have had a Youth Assembly since 2021. Every two years, we select 90 Youth Assembly Members. If successful, you will be part of the third Youth Assembly mandate.  We work closely with the Northern Ireland Assembly and give young people the opportunity to debate issues, conduct inquiries, and engage directly with MLAs and policymakers.

Who can apply to join the Youth Assembly?

Anyone in school years 9-12 who lives in Northern Ireland can apply.  Years 9 to 12 may also be known as 2nd Year to 5th Year. It’s roughly ages 12 to 16. Please note that we can’t accept applications from those who are 16 years old and in lower sixth year. To give opportunities to as many young people as possible, you cannot apply again if you have already been a Youth Assembly Member. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, communities, and abilities – your voice matters!

Do I need to have experience or qualifications to apply?

No experience or qualifications are needed. We’re looking for young people who are passionate about making a difference, interested in current issues, and willing to get involved and represent their peers. We will also offer comprehensive training in things like presentation skills, team building, debating, and children’s rights to ensure you can carry out your role.

What does a Youth Assembly Member do?

As a Youth Assembly Member (YAM), you will:

  • Take part in meetings at Parliament Buildings, Stormont and meet online
  • Take part in team building activities and training opportunities including public speaking and using your voice, debating, speech writing, teamwork, political knowledge, children’s rights, and media training
  • Discuss issues that affect young people
  • Work in smaller groups called committees
  • Engage with decision-makers and the public
  • Contribute to reports and recommendations

To get an idea of what we do, why not check out the Newsletters section of our website, watch the YAM TV videos, read the YAM blogs, or have a look at our socials:

How long is the term for a Youth Assembly Member?

Members serve a two-year term, during which you’ll attend regular meetings and participate in various activities and projects. So, if successful, you’ll be a Youth Assembly Member from October 2025 – October 2027.

How much time will it take up?

Being a Youth Assembly Member is a big commitment. There are meetings you must attend called plenaries which are held twice a year on a Saturday in Parliament Buildings, Belfast and there are also online committee meetings which are held once a month, in the evening.

We also hold regular training and team building opportunities online and in-person. These are important to help you to get to get to know each other and prepare you for your role.

There are events and meetings you may choose to attend such as Assembly Committee events or special projects with other youth organisations.

Time commitments vary, but we aim to schedule around school and personal commitments as much as possible.

Will I be paid to take part?

This is a voluntary role, but travel costs and refreshments are provided for in-person meetings. You’ll also gain valuable experience, meet new people, and develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and public speaking.

What are the benefits to being a YAM?

Being a YAM is a brilliant opportunity – You can watch some of our current YAMs talking about their experiences on our socials :

As a YAM you will…

  • Make a real difference in your community
  • Learn how laws and decisions are made
  • Build confidence and leadership skills
  • Be heard by politicians and decision-makers
  • Meet like-minded young people from across Northern Ireland

How do I apply?

You can apply online through our website. Just complete the form.  It should take no more than 10 minutes. Please only complete the form once. Applications open on Monday 8 September and close on Monday 29 September.

If you need support with your application, please get in touch via email [email protected].

I applied in previous years, can I apply again?

Yes, as long as you are in school years 9-12 and live in Northern Ireland you can apply.

How are Youth Assembly Members chosen?

We co-designed our recruitment process with young people. Once you apply, all applications are anonymised, then 54 members are selected on a constituency basis to ensure geographic spread. The final 36 young people are selected anonymously to ensure representation of section 75 categories such as gender, religious background, race, care experience, disability and so on.

Unsuccessful applicants have the option of remaining on a Youth Assembly consultation forum which provides a consultation base of engaged young people from whom the Youth Assembly can seek views and acts as a pool from which vacancies can be filled should they occur.

What happens if I make a mistake with my form or need help?

No worries, just drop us an email at [email protected] and we’ll help you.

What happens after I apply?

Once applications close on 29 September, we will anonymise all applications and make our selection based on the information you tell us. Final decisions are based on ensuring a good mix of young people from across Northern Ireland.

Here’s a timeline of the key dates:

  • Applications open: Monday 8 September
  • Application deadline: Midnight on Monday 29 September
  • Final selection: applicants will be notified by Friday 9 October
  • First meeting: Saturday 1 November, Parliament Buildings, Belfast
  • Online induction: Tuesday 11 November 7-8pm
  • In-person induction: Saturday 29 November

What if I don’t get a place?

Don’t worry. You will have the option of remaining on a Youth Assembly Consultation Forum which provides a consultation base of engaged young people from whom the Youth Assembly can seek views and acts as a pool from which vacancies can be filled should they occur.

I have additional needs – will I receive support?

Absolutely. We are committed to accessibility and inclusion. If you need any support to take part – whether during the application process or, if you are successful, as a Youth Assembly Member – we’ll work with you to make sure your experience is positive and inclusive.

Can parents or teachers get involved?

While the Youth Assembly is for young people, we welcome support from parents, guardians, and schools. Teachers can help by encouraging students to apply, and parents can support them through the process. However, only young people can apply and participate as Members.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

You can email us at [email protected] or explore the website for more information. We’re happy to help!

Apply now!
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