25/01/2002

Belfast GEMS to create community jobs

A major new jobs initiative has been launched which is set to benefit unemployed people in South and East Belfast.

Belfast GEMS is a local employment initiative which will focus on providing access to jobs with businesses situated within the Gasworks and Laganside sites. Developed in consultation with the communities of South and East Belfast, GEMS will provide individuals with personal guidance, support and assistance in the process of seeking employment.

Firm targets have been set for the scheme which will commence in January with a full programme of events and activities. During this ‘pilot’ phases, Belfast GEMS will aim to recruit 600 unemployed people to the project, place at least 290 unemployed people in work, build up relationships with at least 200 employers in the Laganside area, stage Job Fairs and deliver a Teacher Placement Programme.

The project’s first major undertaking is a Jobs Fair in St George’s Market on Tuesday January 29. With 50 employers taking part – mostly from the Laganside area – the Jobs Fair offers a wealth of employment opportunities.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Tony Hopkins, Chairman of Laganside, welcomed the Belfast GEMS as a breath of fresh air on the employment scheme. He said: “This is a highly practical initiative designed to answer the needs of local people by providing precisely the kind of services and support network they tell us they need. Belfast GEMS will help unemployed people to equip themselves for employment opportunities which, although they may be situated on their own doorsteps, currently seem out of reach.” (CL)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 February 2024
Tourism NI Launch New 'Get Into Tourism' Training Course
Tourism NI has announced the launch of a new accredited training course, designed to encourage people to 'Get Into Tourism'. The organisation has teamed up with Belfast Metropolitan College to deliver the free Level 2 City and Guilds qualifications.
19 September 2023
Over 1,500 Employment Opportunities At Belfast Jobs Fair
More than 70 employers and support organisations are set to take part of a major jobs fair at Belfast's St George's Market. Job hunters are being urged to attend the event to find out about more than 1,500 employment opportunities at the Belfast Jobs Fair.
13 October 2003
Conference focuses on employment law
A half-day conference focusing on recent developments in employment law could help reduce the number of small and medium sized companies (SME’s) in the north-west that fall foul of employment legislation.
29 January 2002
Minister opens major Jobsfair in St George's market Belfast
The Minister for Employment and Learning Carmel Hanna has welcomed 47 employers at a major Jobsfair in St George’s Market, Belfast, which is offering hundreds of opportunities to people looking for jobs. The Minister opened the one-day event on Tuesday January 29, which was staged by Belfast Gasworks Employment Matching Service (GEMS).
15 January 2002
Innovative jobs initiative launched for Belfast
A Department of Employment and Learning pilot project has been launched which hopes to place at least 290 unemployed people in work in deprived areas of Belfast.