A new course aimed at boosting skills within the construction industry has been launched by Lisburn and Castlereagh Labour Market Partnership.
The Welding Employment Academy, which starts in October 2024, will run for four weeks, and is open to residents of Lisburn and Castlereagh who are unemployed or under-employed. The academy is being delivered by the South Eastern Regional College (SERC) at their Professional Skills Centre Dundrod Road, Nutts Corner, and a travel allowance for participants is available.
In the past five years the number of welders in the UK has fallen by a quarter. This course aims to quell this shortage in skills, giving participants the knowledge, training and qualifications to apply for welding jobs which are much needed within the construction industry.
There are 15 places available on the programme. Candidates complete a two-week training programme followed by a two-week work placement with a local employer giving them practical hands-on skills and experience.
By the end of the programme candidates will have gained their BS4872 Fillet vertical up MAG and BS4872 Butt vertical up MAG to gain a UK welding standard (British Standard 4872) certificate, used to certify welding positions on a sheet, plate and pipe for mild steel and aluminium.
Each student will also receive one-to-one support with a careers advisor, helping them develop their employability and interpersonal skills to enhance their career pathway.
Alderman Amanda Grehan, Chairman of our Regeneration & Growth Committee said: “Lisburn and Castlereagh LMP exists to remove barriers to employment for unemployed and underemployed residents.
“Our academies support local people with bespoke, individual employment opportunities helping them gain a foothold on their chosen career paths and gain employment which will create a more fair and balanced Labour Market within our council area.”
“To date LMP has helped 269 people within the Lisburn & Castlereagh council area gain the qualifications and skills to go on to secure jobs.”
More information including full eligibility criteria visit https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/employment-skills-academies