Recruitment campaign launched for roadworkers and civil engineering trainees across Northern Ireland

A new recruitment campaign offering careers maintaining Northern Ireland’s road network has been launched, with opportunities ranging from industrial roadworker roles to trainee civil engineering posts.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced the two competitions, which aim to strengthen the workforce responsible for keeping the region’s roads safe, maintained and operating efficiently.

The campaign is seeking applicants for Industrial Road Worker positions across Northern Ireland, as well as Trainee Civil Engineering Assistant roles delivered through a Skills Academy programme.

Key roles supporting Northern Ireland’s road network

Roadworkers form the backbone of the teams responsible for everyday maintenance on the road network.

Successful applicants will join industrial teams working on a range of duties including repairing road defects, cleansing gullies and carrying out grass cutting.

They also play a crucial role in the winter gritting service and respond to incidents on the road network to ensure roads remain safe and accessible.

Minister Kimmins said the recruitment drive is essential to maintaining vital public infrastructure.

“It is vitally important that the Department has people with the right skills to maintain and manage the road network.

“If you want to help carry out much needed maintenance to the road or if you want to train to become a civil engineer, you should consider applying for these roles with DfI.

“These types of public services are important, and while they may be unseen, they are essential as they help keep the infrastructure we all rely on each and every day in good condition.

“Both of these roles offer a rewarding career in the delivery of essential public services.”

Paid training pathway into civil engineering

Alongside the roadworker recruitment campaign, a Skills Academy programme will train new Trainee Civil Engineering Assistants.

Delivered in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College, the programme includes four weeks of paid pre-employment training designed to prepare participants for careers in civil engineering.

Participants will receive support throughout the programme and gain industry-recognised accredited qualifications. These can lead to a range of careers including road inspector, laboratory technician or site supervisor.

Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met, Damian Duffy, said the partnership helps develop a skilled workforce for the region’s infrastructure sector.

“We are delighted to continue our strong partnership with the Department for Infrastructure through this Skills Academy. Initiatives such as this demonstrate the important role further education plays in supporting the development of a skilled workforce that can meet the evolving needs of our public services and infrastructure sector.

“This programme provides participants with high-quality training delivered through a partnering approach between Belfast Met and the Department for Infrastructure. It supports individuals in developing the skills required for meaningful careers within DfI while helping the Department build the specialist expertise needed to deliver vital services across Northern Ireland.

“Belfast Met remains committed to working with government and industry partners to develop talent, widen access to opportunity and support sustainable economic development across the region.”

Applications now open

Both recruitment competitions opened today and will remain open until 31 March 2026.

The roadworker roles will recruit staff to industrial teams across Northern Ireland, while the Skills Academy programme will prepare participants for future civil engineering positions within the Department for Infrastructure.

• Roadworkers

More details about the role and how to apply is available here We're hiring Industrial Road Workers | Northern Ireland Civil Service

• Trainee Civil Engineering Assistant Skills Academy 

More details about the role and how to apply is available here Current Job Vacancies | Skills Academy - Trainee Civil Engineering Assistant

At a glance

• New recruitment campaign launched for roadworkers and trainee civil engineering assistants

• Roles announced by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins

• Roadworkers will carry out maintenance such as road repairs, gully cleansing and grass cutting

• Staff also help deliver winter gritting services and respond to road incidents

• Trainee Civil Engineering Assistants will be trained through a Skills Academy programme

• Programme includes four weeks of paid pre-employment training

• Training delivered in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College

• Participants can gain accredited qualifications leading to engineering careers

• Applications for both roles close on 31 March 2026

• Positions aim to strengthen the workforce maintaining Northern Ireland’s road network