The start of 2024 sees a multitude of programmes available for residents of the borough to receive free accredited training, work placements and guaranteed job interviews with local employers. If you have been thinking about changing your career path, then there’s never been a better time.
The Council is hosting four job fairs in the upcoming months in Banbridge, Armagh, Portadown, and Lurgan, as well as events in Craigavon Civic Centre for young people pursuing apprenticeships or an IT career.
Alongside these events, there are numerous training and support programmes available for people to join now that will guide participants into employment in their chosen field. These include childcare, migrant worker support, disability employment support, manufacturing, and even gaining a forklift licence.
The programmes have been organised by the Labour Market Partnerships, which create targeted employment action plans for council areas, are funded by the Department for Communities, and allow for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
Many of these programmes have already led people into their dream jobs in hospitality, admin, manufacturing, lorry driving, or as a classroom assistant in a local primary school.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Alderman Margaret Tinsley said:
“There are so many fantastic opportunities for residents of our borough to retrain, upskill, get support, and be guided into jobs that work for them. I have seen first-hand the success of the job fairs, that featured many of our leading local employers. These events continue in 2024 and I have no doubt that more people will find useful advice, connections, and ultimately employment through them.
“I have also been delighted to help launch many of the training programmes that are currently recruiting people. They present opportunities in a wide range of sectors from manufacturing to childcare and pharmacy. I would encourage anyone who is looking at changing their career pathway this year to avail of the support on offer and to come along to any of the upcoming events.”
The first public event is the BIG Apprenticeship Event, delivered by SRC, on Thursday 8th February at Craigavon Civic Centre from 5pm to 7pm. Followed by job fairs across the borough, in partnership with the Jobs and Benefits Office, starting in Banbridge Leisure Centre on Thursday 22nd February from 10.30am- 1pm.
If you are interested in any of the training and employment programmes available, you can apply for these now.
To find out more information, please visit www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/lmp or email
