Belfast Employment Academies roadshows to offer free support for jobseekers

Belfast Employment Academies roadshows are being held across the city next week, offering free support to people looking for work, considering a career change or hoping to increase their working hours.

Belfast City Council has announced five drop-in events across north, central and west Belfast between Tuesday 29 September and Thursday 1 October.

Residents will be able to meet training providers, learn about upcoming Employment Academies and explore opportunities across sectors including construction, technology, transport, social care, childcare, beauty and business services. 

Belfast Employment Academies supported more than 900 people

More than 900 people were supported through the council’s Employment Academies during the past year.

The programme is designed to help Belfast residents develop skills and confidence and prepare for employment through training and interview support.

Individual academies vary depending on the sector but can include technical or accredited training, advice from people already working in the industry and pre-interview preparation.

Some programmes also offer participants who successfully complete their training a guaranteed job interview. 

Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said the academies were continuing to make a difference to people across Belfast.

He encouraged those who are unemployed, returning to work, considering changing careers or looking for additional working hours to attend one of the roadshows and explore the support available. 

Where and when are the roadshows?

Five sessions will be available:

• Tuesday 29 September, 10am–12 noon: Girdwood Community Hub, 10 Girdwood Avenue
• Tuesday 29 September, 2pm–4pm: McDonald Centre, St Vincent Street, off Shore Road
• Wednesday 30 September, 10am–1pm: 2 Royal Avenue
• Thursday 1 October, 10am–12 noon: Andersonstown Leisure Centre
• Thursday 1 October, 2pm–4pm: Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, Falls Road

There is no requirement to register in advance, with residents able to drop into any of the sessions.

Those attending will be able to speak directly with the council and training providers, find out which academies are currently accepting applications and register an interest in programmes due to open in future. 

Range of careers available

Belfast City Council currently operates Employment Academies across a wide range of industries.

These have included business services, construction, childcare, social care, technology, transport and logistics, beauty and salon services and Irish-medium employment.

Eligibility differs between individual programmes, although the academies are primarily aimed at Belfast residents who are unemployed, working fewer hours than they would like or seeking opportunities to progress into more secure employment. 

The council says its academies are developed alongside employers and training providers, helping to ensure the skills being taught correspond with employment opportunities.

Further details about the programme and individual academies are available from Belfast City Council’s Employment Academies page.