Belfast City Council has made history by becoming the first local authority in Northern Ireland to officially sign up as a champion for the #NotJustForBoys initiative.

Led by the organisation Women's Tec, the campaign is designed to support young women and girls as they enter and sustain employment within industries where they are traditionally underrepresented, including construction, transport, mechanics, and gardening.

Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: "The #NotJustForBoys initiative is aimed at getting young females in schools to consider careers that may have seemed unimaginable to them.

"Within Belfast City Council, we are currently recruiting for painting and decorating apprentices, and this is a fantastic opportunity for women and girls to break into a highly skilled, rewarding trade within Council. The role is combined with a recognised qualification meaning successful applicants will be able to earn as they learn.

"As part of our commitment to the #NotJustForBoys campaign, Belfast City Council will provide the training, supportive environment, and mentorship needed for female tradespeople to thrive. "By introducing girls to technical and trade skills early, the #NotJustForBoys initiative is also fully aligned to the Council's Gender Action Plan – which aims to bridge the gender pay gap and promote equality in employment across all Council jobs."

The strategic partnership will see Belfast City Council actively support the campaign through practical workplace initiatives. These will include delivering hands-on skills taster sessions and offering specialised work experience placements across various council trade departments.

Helen Kerr, Head of Business Development at Women's Tec, commented: "We are proud to welcome Belfast City Council as the first council to join us as a #NotJustForBoys Champion.

"Having Belfast City Council stand alongside us is hugely important, not only because of the practical support they bring, but because of the powerful statement it sends about the importance of gender equality and inclusive opportunities for all.

"Their commitment demonstrates that creating opportunities for women and girls is not the responsibility of any one organisation alone, but something that requires collective action and leadership across our communities."

Belfast City Council's current recruitment campaign for apprentice painters and decorators remains open for applications until Monday 29 June.