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

This training focuses on employment need within the Transport Sector and is funding at least 30 HGV drivers in category C (also known as Class 2) or upskilling those who already hold a Category C licence to a Category C&E (also known as Class 1) to be fully trained to the standard whereby they are ready to apply for commercial jobs within the industry by 31st March 2026.

Additionally we are providing within this Academy:

a) training for 4 candidates to obtain a PSV/Coach Driving Training

b) training for 10 candidates to obtain a standard car driving licence. 

The Transport Academy provides an opportunity to secure an interview for each candidate upon successful completion of the training with a target of 29 participants across all training programmes to obtain employment as a result of the training.

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

Are you ready to take the next step in your professional journey?

We’re excited to invite applications for the upcoming Business Services Employment Academy, delivered in partnership with People 1st and your local Labour Market Partnership. This targeted initiative is designed specifically for unemployed or economically inactive residents within the Ards and North Down Borough Council area who are looking to build a fulfilling career in the business services sector.

This face-to-face training programme - complemented by online delivery via Zoom/Teams - offers a flexible and interactive learning environment. It’s more than just a course: it’s a pathway into real employment. All participants who complete the programme will be guaranteed an interview with a local employer.

What You’ll Gain:

Over the course of the Academy, you’ll build essential business skills and gain valuable insight into the professional workplace. You’ll also benefit from an employer shadowing experience, giving you the opportunity to observe real-life business operations and develop a deeper understanding of corporate environments.

Skills & Knowledge You’ll Develop:

• Effective Communication and Employability Skills (including CV and application writing)
• Leadership Styles and workplace decision-making
• Working as part of a high-performing team
• IT Skills – Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Personal & Professional Development planning
• Awareness of Anxiety and Depression in the workplace
• Interview Skills and presenting with confidence
• Delivering your own professional presentation
• Mock Interviews with constructive feedback

This is a transformational opportunity to gain confidence, develop professional skills, and step directly into a career that suits you.

How to Apply:

To apply, please contact r.patton@people-1st.co.uk OR telephone 07999025671

• Alternately contact academy@people-1st.co.uk

Once your application is received, our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

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

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