Academies

Are you interested in becoming a registered childminder or approved home child carer?

Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership is offering fully funded places on this employability academy, to support you through the childminding registration/approval process.

Successful applicants will receive a package of training, support, and resources to assist in becoming registered childminders or approved home child carers.

Eligibility criteria applies:

• Resident of Ards and North Down Borough
• Over the age of 18
• Unemployed or under-employed (working 16 hours per week or less)
• Committed and able to fully participate in all aspects of the Academy
• Have the right to work in the UK

For more information, please contact fiona.clendinning@nicma.org 07837734825

Contact NICMA

Full SIA Training. SIA Licence includes:-

1. Manned Guarding
2. Key Holding
3. First Aid Training

To apply contact:

Workforce Training Services 028 9074 7676 info@workforceonline.org

Fast track your way to a new career as a HGV or Coach Driver.

Are you living in the Ards and North Down area and are interested in a new career? 

Then apply for our fully funded HGV and Coach Driver Training and Employment Academy. This academy is funded by the Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership.

You could gain a HGV licence (Class 1 or Class 2) along with a guaranteed job interview with a local company with HGV vacancies. 

Criteria for application:

• A resident of Ards and North Down
• Aged over 21
• Holding a full driving licence
• Unemployed, underemployed (16 hours per week or less) or be at risk of redundancy
• Willing to undertake a medical exam
• Be available and commit to undertake all elements of the training 

Register your interest by emailing the academy team at: academy@people-1st.co.uk

Or complete the application form on the following link:

HGV Transport Academy - Expression of interest Form

Are you unemployed and living in Ards or North Down?

Our FREE Work Ready Academy could help you get back to work !

Get:
✅ 1-to-1 support from a friendly mentor
✅ A Level 1 Employability qualification to boost your CV.
✅ Help with your CV and interview skills
✅ Local job opportunities, training and placements
💬 It’s totally free and open to anyone aged 18+ who’s not working or in full-time education.  

The next Work Ready Academy is scheduled to start in Autumn 2025.

📩 Sign up now! 

https://forms.gle/YpTt5z1bgnuB7xpV6

For more information: 
Email Frankie: f.maguire@people-1st.co.uk
📱 Or text/call Frankie on 07761 847 830

Click here to read the programme flyer

Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership acknowledge that many people within our Borough face challenges which might be a barrier to seeking employment.

This Job Focused Academy was created for the recruitment and upskilling of 30 people with disabilities residing in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area, through specific support provided by a suitably qualified team.  The aim was to encourage unemployed or underemployed people with disabilities to obtain skills and qualifications for better employment opportunities.

This Academy has provided a flexible and responsive delivery intervention which is reflective of current market conditions, changing labour market dynamics, and will align to deliver maximum impact for Ards and North Down (AND) and the wider economy.

The Delivery Agent is working closely with local employers to achieve best employability outcomes and sustainability of employment. This Academy has provided meaningful engagements in the creation of job opportunities that are innovative in approach to address skills shortages through adaptation to make jobs more accessible to those with a disability or health issue.  Special features of this ongoing Project are the focus on ensuring a high percentage of participants gain a qualification, increasing participant confidence in employment options and the achievement of lasting employment.

Participants are being trained in Customer Services, Hospitality and Employability skills and targeted employers will be from businesses within AND Borough.

The Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership has identified a twofold need within the Borough for childcare provision and appropriately trained childcarers. As a result, AND LMP are offering 15 fully funded places on a Childcare Employability Academy during which the Delivery Agent will support participants through the registration/approval process through to application and interview stage, and employability outcomes.

Eligibility criteria applies for this Academy and applicants must:

• Have a verifiable address within the Ards and North Down Borough Council boundary.
• Be over the age of 18
• Be unemployed or under-employed (working under 16 hours a week) but actively seeking employment
• Be seeking to develop a career in the childcare sector and show a willingness to participate in the academy
• Meet all entry requirements of the training course/qualification, including the right to work in the UK.

In return, this course will offer:

• A chance to improve employability
• Guaranteed interviews with local childcare employers
• An introduction to the sector and an insight into expectations of the job roles available
• Access to a range of personal development and training including interview skills, effective communication and teamwork
• One to one mentoring support for the duration of the programme.

If you would like to be considered for this Academy or any of our other Upcoming Academies, or be informed about upcoming events, please follow the link below to provide your details.

Labour Market Partnership - Register your interest for upcoming Academies

The Business Services Academy is coming to Ards & North Down this October 2025 — and it could be exactly what you need to boost your confidence and build a career in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Whether you’ve been out of work, aren’t sure what to do next, or want to try something new — this FREE training programme is designed to give you the skills, support and qualifications to move forward.

You’ll learn:

• Communication & teamwork
• Customer service essentials
• How to succeed in an office or contact centre setting
• Plus online and face-to-face training, tailored to fit your needs

We’ll also:

• Invite you to an assessment day so we can get to know your needs
• Work with local employers to help secure real job opportunities
• Provide mentor support for up to 6 months after the programme to help you settle into work

Starts 6 October 2025
Open to residents of the Ards and North Down Borough Council area
You’ll leave with recognised qualifications and the confidence to apply for jobs in business, customer service, reception, or admin.

This programme is perfect for people who:

• Are just starting out
• Want to return to work after time off
• Struggle with interviews or confidence
• Want a friendly place to learn and grow

Spaces are limited — so register your interest today and we’ll be in touch with more details.

Message us now or contact Kim at:

k.mead@people-1st.co.uk or call 07549 935344

As a registered childminder in Ards & North Down do you have space to welcome more little learners? 

We’ve got a brilliant Childminding Upskilling Academy for you- to upskill and boost your confidence when supporting children with additional needs?🌟

Thanks to support from the Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership, we’re offering a fully funded OCN NI Level 3 Award in Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs — designed specifically for registered childminders who want to develop their skills and make a bigger difference in children’s lives.

📍 You must live within the Ards & North Down Borough Council area
✅ Only 8 places available – don’t wait to apply!

To be eligible, you need to:
✔️ Be a registered childminder 
✔️ Have space for more children
✔️ Be keen to grow your skills and complete the course
✔️ Live in the Ards & North Down area

🎓 This course is free to join and will help you stand out to families looking for trusted care with inclusive skills.

📩 To register your interest, please fill out this form : https://forms.gle/5c8FpQbWkGSXFYNF6

Any queries please contact Cathy
📧 c.mggarvey@people-1st.co.uk
📱 07999023291

Open for recruitment on 28/07/2025

With Ards & North Down Borough Council.

Are you:

• living in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area
• interested in becoming a classroom assistant
• able to attend our online course from 18th-22nd of August
• unemployed or working less than 16 hours per week

...then this upcoming employment training academy is for you! Open to ALL ages and FREE to attend, it's an ideal place to start!

Over the 5 day course, we will take you from complete beginner to feeling prepared to apply for jobs in this sector. We will give you a great introduction into the role of a classroom assistant and our friendly team will help put you at ease, fast-track your knowledge of what the job entails, and give you lots of helpful hints and tips to prepare you for interviews!

Then... at the end of the week... fresh with your new knowledge and skills, we will introduce you to employers with vacancies ready to fill, and give you the best chance of getting that job and further training that you really want!

Click here to read the flyer

Looking to work in a kitchen environment or in hospitality? This academy is ideal to get you started. Find out about the vast range of jobs there are within the sector.  This academy will take you from complete beginner to feeling prepared to apply for jobs. This academy also provides support, interview coaching and mentoring.

Register your interest by completing the form below:

Labour Market Partnership - Register your interest for upcoming Academies

Looking to start your career in the Health and Social Care sector? This academy is ideal to get you started. Find out about the vast range of jobs there are within the sector. 

This academy will take you from complete beginner to feeling prepared to apply for jobs. This academy also provides support, interview coaching and mentoring. 

Register your interest by completing the form below:

Labour Market Partnership - Register your interest for upcoming Academies

Now recruiting.

SERC will be delivering a free Greentech Academy for candidates looking to upskill in Electrical Energy Storage Systems, Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment and Small-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems.

The Academy is fully funded through the Labour Market Partnership for Ards and North Down Borough Council.

Participants can enrol for 1, 2 or all 3 courses on offer.

Click here for further information and to register your interest.