Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council has announced that it is holding free manufacturing training alongside other training programmes for residents of the borough.

The training and support programmes have been organised by the Labour Market Partnerships, which create targeted employment action plans for council areas, are funded by the Department for Communities, and allow for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

Alongside these programmes the Council is hosting four job fairs in the upcoming months in Banbridge, Armagh, Portadown, and Lurgan, as well as events in Craigavon Civic Centre for young people pursuing apprenticeships or an IT career.

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Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley, said: "There are so many fantastic opportunities for residents of our borough to retrain, upskill, get support, and be guided into jobs that work for them. I have seen first-hand the success of the job fairs, that featured many of our leading local employers. These events continue in 2024 and I have no doubt that more people will find useful advice, connections, and ultimately employment through them.

"I have also been delighted to help launch many of the training programmes that are currently recruiting people. They present opportunities in a wide range of sectors from manufacturing to childcare and pharmacy. I would encourage anyone who is looking at changing their career pathway this year to avail of the support on offer and to come along to any of the upcoming events."

The first public event is the BIG Apprenticeship Event, delivered by SRC, on 8 February at Craigavon Civic Centre from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.

The job fairs are being held in partnership with the Jobs and Benefits Office and will start in Banbridge Leisure Centre on 22 February from 10.30am to 1.00pm.