09/02/2026
NI Water Issues Final Call For 2026 Entry Level Academy Applications
NI Water has issued a final reminder for aspiring professionals to apply for its acclaimed Entry Level Academy, with 27 positions available for the upcoming September 2026 intake. The utility provider is seeking a diverse range of talent, including school leavers, university graduates, and individuals looking to pivot into a new career path.
The 2026 recruitment drive features a broad array of roles across several essential departments. Opportunities are currently available in:
- Water Utilities and Science
- Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
- Construction Engineering and Hydraulic Modelling
- Engineering Plant Operations
- Internal Audit
Successful applicants will join a programme that has received significant industry recognition, including the 'Best Employee Development Programme' at the 2024 Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards. Benefits of the academy include a competitive starting salary, a structured path for career advancement, and fully funded professional qualifications, all supported by a network of experienced mentors.
Katie Harper, a Higher Level Apprentice (HLA) in Construction Engineering Project Management from Omagh who joined in 2024, shared her experience: "My time at the NI Water Entry Level Academy has been fantastic. I've been able to continue my studies while gaining hands-on, industry experience, with the promise of a job at the end of my apprenticeship. My NI Water apprenticeship offers specialised mentorship, allowing me to work on major projects like the Belfast storm tunnel and sewer lining in Derry. It has also helped me build my confidence, make friends, and develop team-building skills. I'd highly recommend applying, regardless of age, as there's so much to learn from everyone involved."
Geraldine Hume, Entry Level Academy Manager at NI Water, added: "Our Entry Level Academy offers an invaluable chance to gain practical, hands-on experience in key sectors that are crucial to NI Water's success. Our broad portfolio of apprenticeships, higher level apprenticeships, and graduate programmes is designed to accommodate a variety of ambitions and interests. This a great opportunity, and we'd love for you to be part of it! Be sure to send in your application soon, as the deadline is coming up on Monday 16th February 2026."
Prospective candidates are encouraged to submit their applications via the official careers portal at www.niwater.com/careers/entrylevelacademy before the closing date on Monday 16 February 2026.
The 2026 recruitment drive features a broad array of roles across several essential departments. Opportunities are currently available in:
- Water Utilities and Science
- Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
- Construction Engineering and Hydraulic Modelling
- Engineering Plant Operations
- Internal Audit
Successful applicants will join a programme that has received significant industry recognition, including the 'Best Employee Development Programme' at the 2024 Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards. Benefits of the academy include a competitive starting salary, a structured path for career advancement, and fully funded professional qualifications, all supported by a network of experienced mentors.
Geraldine Hume, Entry Level Academy Manager at NI Water, added: "Our Entry Level Academy offers an invaluable chance to gain practical, hands-on experience in key sectors that are crucial to NI Water's success. Our broad portfolio of apprenticeships, higher level apprenticeships, and graduate programmes is designed to accommodate a variety of ambitions and interests. This a great opportunity, and we'd love for you to be part of it! Be sure to send in your application soon, as the deadline is coming up on Monday 16th February 2026."
Prospective candidates are encouraged to submit their applications via the official careers portal at www.niwater.com/careers/entrylevelacademy before the closing date on Monday 16 February 2026.
Latest Northern Ireland News
09 February 2026
Westminster Committee Urges Govt To Formally Name 'Stakeknife'
A cross-party committee of MPs has called on the UK Government to formally identify the British Army agent codenamed 'Stakeknife'. The individual, who worked deep within the Provisional IRA during the 1980s, is suspected of direct involvement in numerous abductions, tortures, and murders while serving as a high-level intelligence asset.
Westminster Committee Urges Govt To Formally Name 'Stakeknife'
A cross-party committee of MPs has called on the UK Government to formally identify the British Army agent codenamed 'Stakeknife'. The individual, who worked deep within the Provisional IRA during the 1980s, is suspected of direct involvement in numerous abductions, tortures, and murders while serving as a high-level intelligence asset.
09 February 2026
Stormont Executive Approves £55m Boost for Public Sector Pay and Infrastructure
The Northern Ireland Executive has reached an agreement to allocate approximately £55 million in new funding to address critical pressures in public sector pay and the regional infrastructure network. The financial package includes £25 million specifically earmarked for pay awards, alongside £29.
Stormont Executive Approves £55m Boost for Public Sector Pay and Infrastructure
The Northern Ireland Executive has reached an agreement to allocate approximately £55 million in new funding to address critical pressures in public sector pay and the regional infrastructure network. The financial package includes £25 million specifically earmarked for pay awards, alongside £29.
09 February 2026
£16.8m Capital Boost for Vital Infrastructure
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed an additional £16.8 million in capital funding aimed at accelerating investment in Northern Ireland's essential infrastructure. The Department for Infrastructure has confirmed that the largest portion of the funding, £7.85 million, will be dedicated to targeted road maintenance.
£16.8m Capital Boost for Vital Infrastructure
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed an additional £16.8 million in capital funding aimed at accelerating investment in Northern Ireland's essential infrastructure. The Department for Infrastructure has confirmed that the largest portion of the funding, £7.85 million, will be dedicated to targeted road maintenance.
09 February 2026
Alliance Councillors Warn of Economic Blow Over Boucher Road Event Ban
Alliance Party councillors have criticised a decision by Belfast City Council to cease hosting major events at Boucher Road Playing Fields after 2027, describing the move as "short-sighted".
Alliance Councillors Warn of Economic Blow Over Boucher Road Event Ban
Alliance Party councillors have criticised a decision by Belfast City Council to cease hosting major events at Boucher Road Playing Fields after 2027, describing the move as "short-sighted".
09 February 2026
Chief Constable Backs Calls For Govt To Formally Name 'Stakeknife'
The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Jon Boutcher, has formally endorsed a Westminster committee's recommendation for the UK Government to reveal the identity of the secret agent known as 'Stakeknife'.
Chief Constable Backs Calls For Govt To Formally Name 'Stakeknife'
The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Jon Boutcher, has formally endorsed a Westminster committee's recommendation for the UK Government to reveal the identity of the secret agent known as 'Stakeknife'.
09 February 2026
NI Water Issues Final Call For 2026 Entry Level Academy Applications
NI Water has issued a final reminder for aspiring professionals to apply for its acclaimed Entry Level Academy, with 27 positions available for the upcoming September 2026 intake. The utility provider is seeking a diverse range of talent, including school leavers, university graduates, and individuals looking to pivot into a new career path.
NI Water Issues Final Call For 2026 Entry Level Academy Applications
NI Water has issued a final reminder for aspiring professionals to apply for its acclaimed Entry Level Academy, with 27 positions available for the upcoming September 2026 intake. The utility provider is seeking a diverse range of talent, including school leavers, university graduates, and individuals looking to pivot into a new career path.
09 February 2026
Two Arrested in Connection with Hoax Bomb Calls
Detectives investigating a spree of hoax bomb calls that targeted businesses across Northern Ireland between Saturday 31 January and Monday 2 February have arrested two men. The suspects, aged 46 and 32, were detained in East Belfast on Wednesday 4 February.
Two Arrested in Connection with Hoax Bomb Calls
Detectives investigating a spree of hoax bomb calls that targeted businesses across Northern Ireland between Saturday 31 January and Monday 2 February have arrested two men. The suspects, aged 46 and 32, were detained in East Belfast on Wednesday 4 February.
09 February 2026
NI Football Clubs Receive First Payouts From Long-Awaited £36m Fund
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a significant milestone in the modernisation of Northern Ireland's sporting infrastructure, with the first financial awards now being issued through the Northern Ireland Football Fund.
NI Football Clubs Receive First Payouts From Long-Awaited £36m Fund
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a significant milestone in the modernisation of Northern Ireland's sporting infrastructure, with the first financial awards now being issued through the Northern Ireland Football Fund.
09 February 2026
Police Appeal After Failed ATM Theft At Belfast Children's Hospital
Detectives in Belfast are investigating a brazen attempt to steal an ATM from the Royal Victoria Children's Hospital in the early hours of Saturday, 7 February. According to reports, two men dressed as workmen entered the hospital premises at approximately 3.15am.
Police Appeal After Failed ATM Theft At Belfast Children's Hospital
Detectives in Belfast are investigating a brazen attempt to steal an ATM from the Royal Victoria Children's Hospital in the early hours of Saturday, 7 February. According to reports, two men dressed as workmen entered the hospital premises at approximately 3.15am.
09 February 2026
HMRC Urges Young People To Claim Child Trust Funds During National Apprenticeship Week
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging young adults across the UK – including in Northern Ireland – to claim any Child Trust Fund (CTF) savings they are entitled to during National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February). Latest figures indicate around 758,000 young people have yet to claim their matured CTFs.
HMRC Urges Young People To Claim Child Trust Funds During National Apprenticeship Week
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging young adults across the UK – including in Northern Ireland – to claim any Child Trust Fund (CTF) savings they are entitled to during National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February). Latest figures indicate around 758,000 young people have yet to claim their matured CTFs.
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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.