Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has offered her congratulations to the newest group of students to graduate from the Department for Infrastructure's Civil Engineering Skills Academy.

The academy is a collaborative initiative between the Department and Belfast Met, designed to introduce students to the field of civil engineering. Participants developed comprehensive skills and knowledge across surveying, contract management, construction, traffic management, and health and safety. The curriculum also focused on personal development, communication, teamwork, collaboration, and essential IT skills. This marks the second Skills Academy delivered by the Department.

The programme enables participants to secure industry-recognised accredited qualifications. Following their graduation, the fifteen successful students now have the opportunity to interview for permanent employment positions within the Department, allowing them to further advance their civil engineering skills and experience.

Minister Kimmins stated: "It was a real pleasure to meet this latest cohort of Skills Academy students, who are at an exciting point in their lives embarking into employment following a successful period of study. "Civil engineering sits at the heart of everything we do as a Department. From the roads we all use every day, to the water we rely on for life, to the flood defences that protect our communities. Your profession quite literally shapes the world we live in and that makes this role incredibly important in the delivery of services the Department is responsible for.

"This combination of study and the opportunity to gain employment is a good way to progress in civil engineering and to contribute to our communities infrastructure needs of the future. Congratulations on your graduation and I wish you all the very best with your career."

Damian Duffy, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met, commented: "We are delighted to have continued our strong partnership with the Department for Infrastructure through this year's Skills Academy. Building on the success of last year's programme, the Academy has once again provided participants with practical, employer-led training to support progression into employment within this important sector.

"The partnership between Belfast Met and DfI has been central to the Academy's success, ensuring the programme is aligned to the Department's needs and the skills required in the workplace. It has been excellent to see participants develop their knowledge, confidence and understanding throughout.

"At Belfast Met, we are committed to working with employers and government departments to create clear pathways into employment. This Academy is another strong example of how targeted skills programmes can support learners, employers and the future workforce."