A MULTI-MILLION pound employability scheme in south Belfast has the potential to transform the lives of long-term unemployed people in the area.
That was the message from junior ministers Emma Pengelly and Jennifer McCann as they launched the £2.2m EmployAbility South Belfast initiative.
The initiative offers unemployed people training and development opportunities linked to employers’ needs, with tailored support and advice from mentors aimed at developing skills, confidence and readiness for work.
Some 375 placements will be on offer and, after completion, participants can take up placements of 13 weeks’ paid work.
A number of local employers are already signed up including Allstate NI, Deloitte, and Alliance Pharmacy.
The scheme is funded by the Executive under the £80m Social Investment Fund (SIF) which aims to improve life chances in disadvantaged areas.
The EmployAbility South Belfast scheme is run by the Belfast South SIF zone steering group, and managed by the Greater Village Regeneration Trust.
Speaking at the launch in the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast, OFMDFM Junior Minister Emma Pengelly said: “This is a very welcome initiative in the south Belfast area and I congratulate all those involved for continuing to deliver real and tangible benefits for the local community.
“The collaborative approach taken by EmployAbility South, with some of our most respected employers, is an exemplar of how local people can work together for the benefit of all.
Junior Minister Jennifer McCann added: “The £80m Social Investment Fund is at the heart of the Executive’s priorities, and this £2.2m initiative in south Belfast embodies what the fund is about.
“Importantly, this is a community-led initiative, built around locally identified need.
“It is a practical example of how local people can effect constructive change and help build a better future for everyone.”