Subscription required
A new Construction and Scaffolding Academy has been launched in Antrim and Newtownabbey to help address growing skills shortages across Northern Ireland’s construction sector.
The initiative is being delivered by the Labour Market Partnership in collaboration with CITB, Advanced Scaffolding NI and several local employers.
The academy ran its first cohort from 17 to 28 November 2025. Over the two weeks, participants completed core safety training, gained CSR and COTS cards, visited live sites and met employers with genuine job openings.
The programme is built to give residents a clear route into work, pairing practical skills with targeted employability support.
The scheme is open to people living in the borough who are unemployed or working fewer than 16 hours a week. The Department for Communities fully funds it through the Labour Market Partnership programme.
Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said the academy has been shaped around local industry needs. “This innovative training academy offers a real opportunity for local people to gain the skills and confidence needed to enter the construction industry,” she said. She noted that employers across the area continue to face shortages in key roles, particularly in scaffolding.
Advanced Scaffolding NI has played a significant role in building the programme. In a formal letter, the Mayor praised the contribution of Robert Andrews, saying he “went above and beyond” in helping design relevant course content and speaking directly with participants.
His involvement, she said, ensured the training reflected real job expectations and gave learners a clearer understanding of the sector.
The Mayor also highlighted his wider impact, describing his commitment to supporting unemployed residents as “an inspiration to other business owners in our Borough”. She noted his role in securing additional sponsorship and providing “exceptional dedication and expertise” throughout the process.
Safety equipment for the academy has been sponsored by Leach’s.
Applications for the programme are now open, and employers with vacancies or an interest in supporting trainees are being encouraged to get involved.
