FutureMakers Academy offers fully funded route into manufacturing jobs in Ballymena

John McClintock and Pamela Steele from Northern Regional College; Patrick McNeill, former FutureMakers Academy participant and Clarke employee; MTF chairman David Watson; Logan Godfrey, past FutureMakers Academy participant and Wrightbus employee; Donna McCullough from Northern Regional College; and Donna Morrison from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

A fully funded skills programme aimed at helping people into sustainable employment is offering a new route into manufacturing careers in the Ballymena area.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is supporting the delivery of the FutureMakers Manufacturing Academy, a five-week course designed to develop practical skills, build confidence and connect participants directly with local employers.

Open to anyone aged 18 and over living in the greater Ballymena area, the Academy requires no prior experience and is suitable for those starting their working lives as well as people returning to employment after a period out of work.

Participants will receive hands-on training in manufacturing, a work placement with a local company, and at least one guaranteed job interview on completion.

Backed by local industry and education

The Academy will be delivered by Northern Regional College at its new Ballymena campus, supported by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the MTF Network, and fully funded by the Gallaher Trust.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said the programme was already proving its value to the local economy and workforce.

“I’m proud to support such an invaluable scheme which has already seen 23 people gain full-time skilled employment.

“The Ballymena area has a long tradition of manufacturing and it is great to see so many local companies involved in supporting participants through placements and providing hands-on experience.

“I encourage anyone in need of support to make that important first step onto the career ladder, or to return to work after a period of unemployment, to apply.”

Real lives, real opportunities

FutureMakers Manufacturing Academy past participant Patrick McNeill

For past participant Patrick McNeill, the Academy proved transformational. Long-term unemployed when he first joined, he now works at Clarke Ballymena, having progressed from an operative role to becoming a software engineer.

“I was starting to feel that my confidence levels were down as I had applied to a few places and never heard anything more,” he said.

“Go for it, do not hesitate. The Academy makes everything feel easy, at a pace that’s comfortable and genuinely inclusive, and it connects you with employers who have real job opportunities. Most importantly, it gives you the skills and confidence to step into those jobs.

“It’s a no-brainer, go for it!”

FutureMakers Manufacturing Academy past participant Logan Godfrey

Another former participant, Logan Godfrey, secured a role with Wrightbus and remains employed there as an assembly operator.

“My grades weren’t the best at school, so I wanted to get better qualifications and this was perfect for me,” he said.

“I was surprised by what I could learn, all the things that were there to be learned. And it’s really hands-on, it’s the best place to go to learn how to handle the stuff you’re meant to handle.

“Doing this is the best decision I’ve taken.”

Skills, confidence and support

Participants will gain a broad introduction to manufacturing, including health and safety procedures, quality control, use of equipment, workplace expectations and teamwork.

The programme also provides support with interview preparation, insights from industry guest speakers, company visits, a college certificate and links to further training opportunities.

Pamela Steele, Relationships and Contracts Manager at Northern Regional College, said close collaboration with industry was key to the Academy’s success.

“We work very closely with local manufacturing companies on the MTF Network to ensure that what we deliver meets industry needs.

“There have been numerous success stories from the Academy – I remember one participant who struggled with his confidence and mental health, telling me that he rarely left the house before starting the course. The academy gave him routine, support and new skills. This was a life-changing opportunity for him.

“Northern Regional College is very proud to be involved in delivering the FutureMakers Manufacturing Academy and to have seen more than half the participants move into full-time work and their lives dramatically changed.”

Fully funded with financial support

As the Academy is fully funded by the Gallaher Trust, participants also receive financial support, including a weekly training allowance alongside a daily food and travel allowance.

The Trust was established following the withdrawal of Japan Tobacco International (JTI) from Ballymena in 2017.

Chairman of the Gallaher Trust, Ian Paisley, said the programme was helping to secure the future of local manufacturing.

“Manufacturing has always been at the heart of Ballymena and the delivery of this Academy helps to ensure the sector continues to evolve and benefit from a pool of well-qualified people with skills that are of great benefit to potential employers.

“The establishment of the Gallaher Trust was an opportunity to produce something positive from the ashes of JTI and we haven’t looked back since.

“We look forward to seeing another cohort of participants take part in this FutureMakers Manufacturing Academy.”

Strengthening the local workforce

David Watson, Chair of MTF, the industry-driven network supporting advanced manufacturing in Mid and East Antrim, said the Academy was designed to welcome people from all backgrounds.

“The FutureMakers Manufacturing Academy welcomes people from all backgrounds.

“Whether someone has been out of work for a short time or many years, this Academy could be the opportunity that helps them take that important first step with one of our Ballymena-based MTF member companies.

“Our companies are actively seeking new talent, and we recognise that for many people - particularly since Covid - re-entering the workforce can feel challenging. Participants will receive full guidance, practical training, and personalised support at every step, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and move towards long-term employment.

“Manufacturing is the heartbeat of our local economy and provides stable, satisfying, and future-focused careers. MTF member companies employ more than 9,000 people across the Borough, and we are committed to ensuring that local people have the chance to be part of this thriving sector. Strengthening our talent pipeline is essential - and programmes like this are how we make it happen.”

How to apply

The FutureMakers Manufacturing Academy begins on 19 January and runs for five weeks.

An Open Day will take place at the Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena on Friday 9 January from 11am to 12pm, giving prospective applicants the chance to meet representatives from local manufacturing companies and Northern Regional College.

Further information is available online at:

https://www.nrc.ac.uk/businesses/academies

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 14 January.