31/10/2025
ABC Council Launches Training Initiative To Boost Local Employment
A comprehensive series of free training and employability programmes have been launched by the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council's Labour Market Partnership (LMP), focusing on equipping local people with the practical skills needed to secure meaningful employment.
This initiative is designed to help residents upskill, reskill, and build confidence across several high-demand industries.
The LMP, which receives funding from the Department for Communities, is tasked with creating targeted employment action plans for the council area. The new programmes facilitate collaboration between local and regional bodies to support residents in finding and sustaining work.
The free offerings provide practical, hands-on training that can lead to industry-recognised qualifications. Sectors covered range from construction and classroom support to health and social care. Key opportunities include the Construction Academy, the Health & Social Care Academy, the Classroom Assistant Academy, and specialist Disability Employment and Return to Work programmes. Each offers tailored support, mentoring, and direct links to local employers, appealing to those seeking a fresh start, returning to work, or looking to progress in their current careers.
Speaking about the launch, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said: "These programmes are about empowering people right across our borough — giving them the tools, skills and confidence they need to take that next step in life or work. By investing in local talent and breaking down barriers to employment, we're building stronger communities and creating real opportunities for people to thrive."
The latest LMP programmes will be delivered by local training providers who are well-positioned to meet sector-specific skill shortages, including Stepping Stones NI, People 1st, Southern Regional College (SRC), The Cedar Foundation, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, and Clanrye Group.
Anyone interested in taking part in a programme can find out more or register their interest by contacting the relevant provider listed here.
This initiative is designed to help residents upskill, reskill, and build confidence across several high-demand industries.
The LMP, which receives funding from the Department for Communities, is tasked with creating targeted employment action plans for the council area. The new programmes facilitate collaboration between local and regional bodies to support residents in finding and sustaining work.
Speaking about the launch, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said: "These programmes are about empowering people right across our borough — giving them the tools, skills and confidence they need to take that next step in life or work. By investing in local talent and breaking down barriers to employment, we're building stronger communities and creating real opportunities for people to thrive."
The latest LMP programmes will be delivered by local training providers who are well-positioned to meet sector-specific skill shortages, including Stepping Stones NI, People 1st, Southern Regional College (SRC), The Cedar Foundation, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, and Clanrye Group.
Anyone interested in taking part in a programme can find out more or register their interest by contacting the relevant provider listed here.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.