Belfast City Council To Host Free Training And Employability Session

Belfast City Council is set to host a range of free training and employability opportunities for residents in September.

The event is taking place on Tuesday 3 September from 10am-1pm at the Europa Hotel. You can now register for this free event, where you'll learn about the council's range of Employment Academies. These academies provide specialised, intensive training in areas such as Customer Service, Fibre Optic Installation, Self-Employed Childminding, Social Care, Technology, Transport and Logistics, Working with Children, Maritime Work and academies offered in the Irish language.

As well as hearing from employers outlining available jobs in each sector, attendees will be able to chat with expert advisors from the Gateway to Choices (G2C) service, funded by the Belfast Labour Market Partnership. They’ll help people decide on the academy that’s best suited to them, signpost to other support services available across the city, and assist with CV preparation.

Belfast City Council's Employment Academies offer free, intensive training tailored to specific industries, along with comprehensive employability support. Participants receive personalised guidance to help identify career goals, develop strategies to achieve them, navigate job searches, prepare applications and succeed in interviews. The programme also includes ongoing aftercare to ensure a smooth transition into sustained employment. Councillor Sam Nelson, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: "We’ve designed our Employment Academies in partnership with local employers, to ensure that the training is aligned with current market demands and will give unemployed or underemployed residents the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

"We've made a commitment in The Belfast Agenda to fostering inclusive economic growth in Belfast and improving quality of life for our residents. To do that, we need to give Belfast people the tools they need to succeed in the workforce – and our businesses access to skilled employees. Our Employment Academies are doing just that. By investing in our people, we’re investing in Belfast’s success and prosperity."

Áine Hillick, Bryson Recycling commented: "Partnering with Belfast City Council on the Transport Academy has helped accelerate recruitment for Bryson Recycling. This collaboration is not only addressing critical skills shortages in the sector, but also empowering individuals with the training and opportunities needed to drive sustainable growth. Together, we are building a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future."

Kevin O’Connor, a participant in the council’s Transport Employment Academy said: "Completing the Transport Academy has been a life-changing experience for me. Gaining my HGV licence and securing employment with Bryson Recycling has provided me with a stable career and the confidence to excel in my role. I work Monday to Friday, task and finish, so I have my evenings and weekends free which really suits my family life. This programme truly opens doors and equips you with the skills needed to succeed."