Construction and Scaffolding Academy opens in Mid and East Antrim

Launching the Mid and East Antrim Construction and Scaffolding Academy are: (l-r) Amanda Crossen, Project Manager at CITBNI); Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford;  Charlene Earley from Workforce Training) and Steven Douglas of 7 Towers Scaffolding.

A new Construction and Scaffolding Academy aimed at helping local people into employment has opened for applications across Mid and East Antrim, offering participants industry-recognised qualifications, practical training and direct access to job opportunities within the construction sector.

The initiative is targeting residents who are unemployed, economically inactive or working fewer than 21 hours per week, with organisers hoping the programme will help address skills shortages while opening new career pathways in a growing industry.

Funded by the Department for Communities through the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership, the academy will be delivered by Workforce Training with support from the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITBNI) and local employers including 7 Towers Scaffolding.

Training designed to lead directly into employment

Training will run from Monday 22 June until Wednesday 1 July and will provide participants with a range of essential construction and scaffolding qualifications.

Those taking part will receive training in:

• Health, Safety & Environment

• First Aid at Work

• Manual Handling

• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

• Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (COTS) accreditation

• Construction Skills Register (CSR) card certification

A dedicated training day at CITBNI will allow participants to complete the CISRS Operative Training Scheme course and gain accreditation recognised across the industry.

Alongside technical qualifications, the academy will also provide employability support including interview preparation and skills development to help candidates compete for jobs within the sector.

Participants will also have the opportunity to attend job interviews connected to the programme.

Support for growing construction sector

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said the programme comes at a time when construction activity continues across the borough.

He said:

“Across our Borough there are construction projects of various sizes taking place and it is fantastic that we can support residents start a career in this sector.

“Not everyone wants to work indoors, and this academy allows residents the opportunity to work safely outdoors and at height if scaffolding is of interest.

“I would encourage anyone looking a career in construction to sign-up for this academy.”

The programme is also being backed by industry organisations and employers keen to attract new entrants into construction trades.

Amanda Crossen, Project Manager at CITBNI, said collaboration between training providers and employers is critical to building the future workforce.

She said:

“CITB NI recognise the importance of collaboration to encourage new workers into the construction industry.

“Careers and training interventions like the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership gives local construction employers a valuable opportunity to meet engaged individuals ready to start a career, and they’re coming with entry-level training including the CISRS Operative Training Scheme course (COTS) funded by CITB NI.”

Local employers backing initiative

Local scaffolding company 7 Towers Scaffolding is among the employers supporting the academy and helping connect participants with opportunities in the industry.

Steven Douglas, Managing Director of 7 Towers Scaffolding, said the programme would help develop practical skills and create long-term opportunities for local people.

He said:

“We are grateful to Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership for the opportunity to be involved in this scaffolding academy from an employer’s perspective.

“Initiatives like this are vital for developing practical skills and creating pathways into the industry.

“We are proud to support the programme and look forward to seeing it bring a new generation of skilled scaffolders into our local area.”

The academy forms part of wider efforts to improve access to employment and skills training across Mid and East Antrim, particularly in sectors experiencing workforce demand.

Who can apply and how

Applicants must:

• Be aged over 18

• Live in Mid and East Antrim

• Be unemployed, economically inactive, or working fewer than 21 hours per week

Anyone interested in applying should email Workforce Training Services at info@workforceonline.org.

Applicants are asked to include their contact details, address and postcode, and use “Construction & Scaffolding Academy” in the subject line of the email.

The academy is expected to provide a direct route into employment for participants seeking to enter the construction industry while helping local employers connect with newly trained workers.