Be a Voice for Your Generation: Join the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly!

Mark your calendars! Apply between 25 September and 16 October 2023.

Anyone currently in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 can apply. (This is roughly ages 12-16). We welcome applications from all young people living in Northern Ireland.

From 25 September you can click on any of the links on this page to get to our online form. Easy peasy!

When you click on the link, it will redirect you to our application site iTrent. Do not create a log in, use the option to “Continue as Guest User”.

The application form is available via a platform called iTrent. Do not create a log in, use the option to “Continue as Guest User”.

The form itself is only three short pages. Select the answers that best fit you from the options provided. There are no essay questions. The form should only take a maximum of 10 minutes to complete.

If you need the form in any other format email the team at youthassembly@niassembly.gov.uk or call us on 028 90 521777.

Of course, just remember we need your Name, Address, Date of Birth and Constituency on the form and not the details of the person helping you with the form.

Once you get to the last page of the 3 page form, click “Save”. This will return you to the launch page. From here click “Submit”.

If you have successfully submitted your application you will see the image below on your screen:

Please note that you will not receive a confirmation email.

Don’t panic! If you have any problems completing the form please phone 02890 521 699 between 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri, or email recruitment@niassembly.gov.uk.

Call Joanne on 02890 521741 or Maria on 02890 521699, we are happy to help.

No problem! Email the team at youthassembly@niassembly.gov.uk  or call 028 90 521777.

Be Part of a Diverse Team
As a Youth Assembly Member, you’ll join a diverse group of 90 young people from every corner of Northern Ireland. It’s a unique blend of backgrounds and perspectives, and you’ll be right at the heart of it.

Engage with Decision Makers
This is your platform to communicate directly with key decision-makers. It’s about voicing your concerns, sharing your insights, and influencing the issues that matter to you.

Specialise in Areas of Interest
You will have the opportunity to align with specific committees that focus on topics you’re passionate about. And remember, twice a year, the entire Youth Assembly meets for a plenary session in the Assembly Chamber.

Your Three Core Responsibilities:

1. Engage with MLAs and Assembly Committees. Your insights are invaluable when it comes to new legislation or inquiries that may impact young people just like you.

2. Delve into topics and issues you’re most interested in by joining specialised committees with other Youth Assembly Members. Whether it’s environmental concerns, educational reforms, or cultural initiatives, you’ll be at the forefront of these discussions.

3.  Beyond the regular meetings, there are numerous youth-focused projects, events, and consultation opportunities. It’s about amplifying the youth voice and ensuring it’s heard at every level.

Each year, you will have two main meetings or plenary sessions held in Parliament Buildings. This is when all Youth Assembly Members come together to discuss particular issues. These meetings will usually be held in the Assembly Chamber and presided over by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Attendance at these meetings is very important for all Youth Assembly Members. Whether the meetings are up in Parliament Buildings or happening online, we will give you plenty of notice to help you plan around your other commitments. 

Regular Online Engagements
Much of the Youth Assembly’s activities will take place online. The Youth Assembly Support Team will organise regular online meetings, drop-in sessions, and training. Typically, these online activities will be scheduled for the evenings. They will last around one hour, and be held once a month. 

Preparation is Key
Youth Assembly Members are expected to be proactive: regularly check emails, review materials before meetings, coming up with questions, taking notes, and occasionally preparing and delivering brief speeches. But don’t worry we will give you all the training and support you’ll need.

As far as possible, meetings will be held outside of school hours. We try not to meet during exam time and avoid meeting during the summer holidays.

The committee meetings, drop-in sessions and training activities usually take place online and in the evenings. Full meetings of the Youth Assembly (Plenary meetings) are held in Parliament Buildings on Fridays or Saturdays.

Yes. Youth Assembly Members can claim travel expenses when attending Youth Assembly meetings and events. Refreshments will also be provided for our face to face meetings.

We will email all applicants to let them know if they have been selected or not by the end of October.