BELFAST Harbour has announced a £30,000 investment in a new training initiative to boost young people’s employment prospects.
Launched in conjunction with Belfast Metropolitan College, The Commissioners’ Programme will create at least 30 new apprenticeship and other training positions in a range of sectors within the Harbour Estate over the next three years.
The harbour has facilitated developments totalling around 10 million sq ft in the last 20 years, with over 700 firms on the estate employing 22,000 people.
The Commissioners’ Programme will provide harbour tenants with the opportunity of employing an apprentice or offering a work placement role at low or no cost to their business.
Jenni Barkley, communications and corporate responsibility manager, Belfast Harbour, said: “The Commissioners’ Programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people in Belfast to gain the education and training they need to secure long-term employment.
“The skills and experience which participants will learn in these apprenticeship roles in a variety of sectors will be invaluable and significantly enhance their job prospects.”
She continued: “We are delighted to launch the programme in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College, with whom we will work closely to ensure its success.
“The scheme is mutually beneficial to young people and to the hundreds of firms within the Harbour Estate which are providing employment to 22,000 people.
“The Commissioners’ Programme is further evidence of Belfast Harbour’s commitment to supporting the next generation of young people and to the investments we make to help improve our local economy.”
Involvement in the Commissioners’ Programme complements the Harbour’s ongoing strategy of supporting NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training), as well as existing partnership programmes with Business in the Community and the Prince’s Trust.
Following the implementation of the programme, a new award has been launched for employers taking part in the scheme, called The ‘Commissioners’ Award, which will be presented by Belfast Harbour at the Apprenticeship Graduations.
Meanwhile, the minister for Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry has urged unemployed young people to join the 3,200 18 to24-year-olds who have benefited from participating in the Youth Employment Scheme (YES).
Speaking as the latest labour market figures were released, the minister said: “I would encourage young people to explore the opportunities associated with YES.
“Since the launch over 3,200 young people have participated with over 2,000 currently on the programme.
“Almost 40% of all participants have moved into employment.”