Government job opportunities for the unemployed

The government has today revealed that unemployed people in Northern Ireland will get the chance to train for jobs on Belfast’s biggest building project.

Social Development Minister, David Hanson made the announcement while he was launching a pilot training programme for construction operatives which will be delivered by the Belfast Institute of Higher and Further Education (BIFHE) in partnership with government and the private sector.

Mr Hanson said: “Now that construction is in full swing at Victoria Square, we can help unemployed people to prepare for job opportunities. The Construction Operatives Training programme contributes to tackling disadvantage in Belfast by giving unemployed people skills training to apply for jobs arising from the regeneration of Belfast City Centre.”

The pilot programme will provide 32 unemployed people with foundation skills in dry wall lining required by contractors working on Victoria Square.

Those taking part will also develop their skills of communication, numeracy and information technology.

On completions of the programme, trainees will receive a Construction Safety Regulations (CSR) certificate.

The programme has been designed by Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education (BIFHE) in conjunction with the Department for Social Development (DSD), the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) and Farrans Gilbert Ash (FGA).

The 12 week course is open to unemployed people from all areas of the Province who are interested in gaining basic construction skills.

Successful completion of the programme guarantees a job interview and throughout the duration of the programme, trainees’ benefits will be protected.

The Social Development Minister continued: “This is a way of giving unemployed people a better chance of gaining jobs on this major redevelopment. This pilot programme is a fine example of partnership working between Government, BIFHE and the private sector. This integrated approach to regeneration ensures that the local communities benefit from these opportunities.”

Paul Sargent, Multi Development UK Managing Director, added: “The regeneration benefits derived from Victoria Square should be accessible to all members of the community. With 32 spaces in the course to be filled by unemployed people, this is a genuine opportunity for those removed from the labour market to consider their future employment and skills base. Multi is delighted that the programme is underway – I’m confident the pilot will be a success and will monitor uptake closely.”

Brian Turtle, Director of BIFHE said: “It is great to be involved in a project where the skills we give unemployed people not only help them to enter the world of work but also indirectly boost the economy.”

(EF/SP)