Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has launched two Department for Infrastructure (DfI) recruitment campaigns for Industrial Road Workers and Trainee Civil Engineering Assistants, highlighting their importance in maintaining and improving Northern Ireland's road network.

The roadworker competition is seeking applicants to join industrial teams across Northern Ireland, carrying out road maintenance tasks including repairing defects, cleansing gullies and cutting grass. Roadworkers also play a central role in the winter gritting service and respond to incidents to help keep the network safe and operating efficiently.

The Trainee Civil Engineering Assistant posts will be filled through a Skills Academy delivered with Belfast Met, offering four weeks of paid pre-employment training. Participants will be supported throughout the programme, with opportunities to gain industry-recognised accredited qualifications leading to roles such as road inspector, laboratory technician or site supervisor.

Minister Kimmins said: "It is vitally important that the Department has people with the right skills to maintain and manage the road network.

"If you want to help carry out much needed maintenance to the road or if you want to train to become a civil engineer, you should consider applying these roles with DfI. These types of public services are important, and while they may be unseen, they are essential as they help keep the infrastructure we all rely on each and every day in good condition. "Both of these roles offer a rewarding career in the delivery of essential public services."

Commenting on the programme, Belfast Met's Principal and Chief Executive, Damian Duffy said: "We are delighted to continue our strong partnership with the Department for Infrastructure through this Skills Academy. Initiatives such as this demonstrate the important role further education plays in supporting the development of a skilled workforce that can meet the evolving needs of our public services and infrastructure sector.

"This programme provides participants with high-quality training delivered through a partnering approach between Belfast Met and the Department for Infrastructure. It supports individuals in developing the skills required for meaningful careers within DfI while helping the Department build the specialist expertise needed to deliver vital services across Northern Ireland. Belfast Met remains committed to working with government and industry partners to develop talent, widen access to opportunity and support sustainable economic development across the region."

Applications for both the Industrial Road Worker competition and the Trainee Civil Engineering Assistant Skills Academy are open until 31 March 2026. Further details and how to apply: www.nicsrecruitment.co.uk/industrial-road-worker/ and Skills Academy - Trainee Civil Engineering Assistant