Other News In Brief

AIB NI Welcomes First Intake Of Apprentices

AIB NI are set to welcome their first intake of apprentices, through a new partnership with Workplus.

The bank has created opportunities in a range of roles including Lending Advisors, Customer Service Specialists, Product Management Associates and Risk Analysts.

Roisin Keenan, Head of Homes, AIB NI said: "We are excited to be recruiting apprentices for roles across various areas within the bank. The structure of an apprenticeship allows for continued education while also ensuring dedicated mentoring. We are hoping that this will be the beginning of growing a rich culture of apprenticeships within the Bank."

Richard Kirk, CEO of Workplus, said: "We warmly welcome AIB into the Workplus membership network. Working together, we can achieve so much more in terms of growing opportunities and promoting the many benefits of apprenticeships. These apprenticeship roles created by AIB are a fantastic way for school leavers or career changers to embark on a career within a leading bank."

Workplus makes it easier for employers to find apprentices through its online platform and coordinated approach. It provides a single place for applicants to apply, as well as offering a simple, thorough selection process for employers. It is currently working with over 60 companies across the sectors.

Michael Long Secure More EV Infrastructure In Belfast

Alliance Councillor Michael Long has continued his campaign for more accessible Electric Vehicle charging points across Belfast, with two now up and running in the grounds of City Hall.

The local representative said he was delighted how quickly the new posts where put in place, with his plan now to see similar rolled out across Belfast.

He added: "I’m delighted how quickly these charging points have become operational, creating better convenience for staff and users of the site.

"While you could say these have been installed at electric speed, across Belfast there are still too few charging points and as a Council we must make a change.

"I want to see more and more charging points rolled out to other Council facilities, opening up the potential for electric vehicles use across our city and giving an added bonus to users of all our sites.

"Please get in touch with me to let me know any key areas you would like to see greater access to charging points."

Education Budget Shortfall 'Deeply Concering'

Sinn Féin has said the funding crisis facing NI's education system is a consequence of over a decade of Tory cuts with the situation made worse by one party's refusal to form a government.

The party's education spokesperson, Pat Sheehan, said: "Reports that our education system is facing a £200 million shortfall is deeply concerning.

"It's also simply not good enough that funding for special educational needs comes under threat under these circumstances.

"This is vital funding to support vulnerable young people in our schools. Previous education ministers have ring fenced funding and ensured it was protected. That could and should happen now.

"The British government must fund public services here properly so that we can invest in our children and young people, pay our teachers and school staff properly and provide an education system that delivers for all.

"We need all parties to commit to getting back around the Executive table to work together to support and invest in our education system.

"The DUP also need to take responsibility and stop blocking an Executive being formed and progress on a three-year budget and commit to working with the rest of us in a restored Executive so that we can support and invest in our public services.

"We need ministers in place to invest properly in our schools and to ensure our children and young people are afforded the best possible opportunities to reach their full potential."