New Security Employment Academy launched to tackle skills shortages in Antrim and Newtownabbey

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick is joined by Chris Ward (Workforce Training Services) and Jessica Smyth (LMP) to launch the SIA Academy

A new bespoke Employment Academy has been launched in Antrim and Newtownabbey to address skills shortages in the security industry and help local residents take their first steps into sustainable employment.

The week-long intensive programme, delivered by the Antrim and Newtownabbey Labour Market Partnership (LMP), is designed to equip participants with the practical skills, accredited training and industry recognition needed to begin a career in the security sector.

The Academy will run from Monday 26 January to Friday 30 January 2026 at Workforce Training Services, 465 Antrim Road, BT15 3BP.

Participants will receive a comprehensive package of training covering key areas of the industry, including Emergency First Aid, ACT (Counter Terrorism), Manned Guarding and Key Holding. The programme also includes dedicated support to obtain a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence, a vital requirement for employment in the sector.

Alongside technical training, the Academy places a strong emphasis on employability and confidence-building. Attendees will benefit from CV writing support, interview preparation, confidence development sessions and live interviews with employers.

Crucially, all participants who successfully complete the programme will be guaranteed an interview with local security and events companies, helping to bridge the gap between training and employment.

Recognising that practical barriers can prevent people from accessing opportunities, the programme offers additional support to help remove challenges such as childcare and transport, ensuring participants can fully engage with the Academy.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying:

“Programmes like the SIA Employment Academy play a vital role in supporting our residents into sustainable employment while meeting the needs of local employers.

“By providing accredited training, practical support and guaranteed interviews with employers, this Academy is helping people build confidence, gain valuable skills and take positive steps towards long-term careers in the security sector.

“I would strongly encourage anyone who is unemployed or considering a new career path to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”

The Academy is funded by the Department for Communities as part of the Labour Market Partnership programme, which enables councils to develop targeted employment action plans tailored to local needs. Through collaboration at both local and regional level, LMPs aim to support people towards and into work while responding to employer demand.

In addition to the SIA Employment Academy, two further employment academies are currently available in the borough, focusing on Medical Administration and Welding Skills, offering residents a range of pathways into employment.

The Security Employment Academy is open to residents of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough who are unemployed or underemployed, working 16 hours or less per week, and who can fully commit to the programme and its aftercare support.

Residents interested in applying, as well as businesses wishing to support the programme by offering vacancies, can find further information at:

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