Other News In Brief

New Assured Skills Academy With PwC Announced

A new Assured Skills Academy with PwC, offering 20 high-quality training places, has been announced by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons.

Focusing on technology, the Assured Skills Academy is open to people with a Level 5 qualification and relevant experience, or a 2:2 degree in any discipline.

Successful applicants receive nine weeks of industry-relevant pre-employment training at Belfast Met. Participants who complete the training have the opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications and are guaranteed an interview for a role with PwC.

Minister Lyons said: "I am pleased to announce another Assured Skills Academy with PwC and Belfast Met. This is an excellent opportunity for people to join the largest firm of professional advisors in Northern Ireland.

"Developing the local skills base is a key element of our economic recovery. Assured Skills Academies have a very strong track record of success in upskilling people and helping them secure employment."

The Minister added: "Successful applicants to the Academy will receive £155 per week training allowance and travel expenses while they train. They will also be guaranteed an interview with PwC in Belfast on completion of the training. I urge anyone who is interested and eligible to apply."

Deborah Stevenson, PwC Operate’s Operations and People Director, said: "This is the 19th Academy we will run in collaboration with Belfast Met and the Department for the Economy. We never cease to be impressed by the quality of the candidates who apply.

"It’s also incredibly rewarding to see careers develop for those who have successfully been offered positions with PwC after they’ve completed their Academies. Our business is undoubtedly benefiting from the rich and diverse experiences of people who have taken a leap of faith and participated in the Academies.

"Coming from Northern Ireland myself, I am equally proud we have access to the Academies - they make us distinct from other parts of the UK and show the level of commitment and investment in building talent fit for a growing market."

Dromore Roadworks Set To Begin On 10 January

Minister for Infrastructure, Nicola Mallon, has announced a £112,000 resurfacing scheme on the Backnamullagh Road, Dromore, set to begin on Monday 10 January 2022.

The resurfacing scheme, which stretches for 2.1 km from the Grove Road to the A1 Hillsborough Road will deliver significant benefits for road users and should be fully completed by 18 February 2022.

Minister Mallon said: "This significant investment will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of local residents and those who travel through the area. I would like to thank the public and local residents in advance for their cooperation and ask that they comply with all temporary traffic restrictions while these much needed works are completed."

All work will be carried out in line with current public health and health and safety advice, with safe systems of working in place for staff and contractors.

Appeal For Information On Finaghy Road North Assault

Police in Belfast have issued an appeal for information after an 18-year-old man suffered a fractured skull in an assault.

Police have said that the man was assaulted outside a licensed premises on Finaghy Road North at about 1.20am on Monday 27 December.

According to police the area was "heavily populated" at the time of the incident and they have appealed for witnesses, in particular anyone who may have dash-cam footage, to contact them.