Farry Launches Framework for Skills Scheme
The current apprenticeship model has served well but is limited and needs to be transformed. That was the message from Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry, this week as he outlined a blueprint for the future of apprenticeships in Northern Ireland. Addressing the Assembly during an oral statement, the minister detailed 32 proposals contained within...
Steps to Work Programme Lands Robert his Dream Position
BANGOR man Robert Bell has landed his dream job thanks to the Steps to Work programme. Robert is now with Lisburnbased renewable energy company Solmatix, after impressing them with his performance and work ethic during his Steps to Work placement. Robert started at the company in October, initially as a trainee installer, and was trained...
Workplace Guide
KEEPING organisations on the right track on employment law will be the focus of two events at Down Royal racecourse next month. CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development) NI has teamed up with leading law firm A&L Goodbody to run an employment law update masterclass and a mock employment tribunal. The event on December 5...
Ulster Job Fairs To Give Students Edge
A MONTH long series of career events taking place at the University of Ulster are to ensure students at the university have a competitive edge in the job market, according to a leading academic. Dr Lisa Bradley, head of the department of international business at Ulster’s Magee campus, said so as she was speaking before...
Free Workshops For Firms To Help Build Up Efficiency
LOCAL manufacturers are to get help with boosting profits and reducing costs thanks to an innovative upskilling programme funded by Belfast City Council. The Manufacturing Efficiency Programme is open to small and medium-sized companies in the city from the manufacturing sub sectors. The programme is funded by Belfast City Council and Lisburn City Council in...
New Chair For Fold
FOLD Housing Association has announced the appointment of Diana Fitzsimons to the role of chairperson. Fitzsimons,with 30 years experience in planning, housing and urban regeneration, has taken the top role at the association, which provides housing, care and support to more than 30,000 homes. Since its establishment in 1976, Fold has developed an innovative range...
Minister Promotes Rights In Workplace For LGB Staff
A SHARED society is a fundamental economic rationale as well as a matter of equality, according to the Employment Minister Dr Stephen Farry. He was speaking at a recent event in Belfast co-hosted by Belfast City Council and The Rainbow Project, to examine the case for promoting equality and diversity in the workplace and discuss...
Skills Up with CITB
CITB-ConstructionSkills NI is holding a series of information events for local construction employers providing the latest information on training advice and guidance on grants available to registered employers. The next event takes place on October 10 at Newry Enterprise Centre, then October 23 at Fermanagh Enterprise Centre. For more information, go to www.citbcsni.org.uk or call...
Backpack with Ikea
IKEA Belfast’s James McLaughlin will say ‘bonjour’ to Paris, thanks to IKEA’s Backpacker Scheme — an initiative designed to give international experience to promising workers. James, who is currently working in the store’s logistics department, will join the team at IKEA Velizy in Paris, and he will be specifically tasked with creating a selfserve area...
Academics Giving Students a Taste of the Real World
A Newry IT student has voiced his support for the Career Academies initiative following a fourweek placement with one of Northern Ireland’s leading telecommunications companies, eircom. Organised through Career Academies UK, the aim of the programme is to bridge the gap between education and employment by giving students access to real experiences of the world...