More than 80 pupils from four local schools got a practical introduction to construction through a new partnership between Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council's Labour Market Partnership and the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI).

The one-day Construction Bootcamp was held at the CITB NI Nutts Corner Training Centre on Tuesday 20 October, giving students first-hand exposure to the sector.

As the first initiative of its kind delivered through the partnership, the bootcamp set out to broaden understanding of the variety of roles and career paths available within Northern Ireland's construction industry.

The Council's Labour Market Partnership, funded by the Department for Communities (DfC), develops targeted employment action plans at council level, enabling local and regional collaboration to support residents towards and into work.

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Pupils from Parkhall Integrated College, Ballyclare Secondary School, St Benedict’s College, Randalstown, and Edmund Rice College, Glengormley took part in the event.

The Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey attended, meeting pupils alongside representatives from CITB NI and the Council to learn more about how the initiative is opening doors for young people across the Borough.

Deputy Mayor Alison Bennington, said: "It is great to see young people from across the Borough getting hands-on experience and learning about the many career opportunities available within construction. We are delighted to support this initiative with CITB NI and help our young people explore the skills and pathways available to them."

During the day, students explored the range of roles across the sector, the skills employers look for and the different entry routes into the industry.

Hands-on job sampling sessions allowed pupils to try bricklaying, joinery, painting and decorating, and tiling, providing a practical feel for key trades.

The programme also showcased multiple progression routes, from apprenticeships and on-the-job training to further and higher education. Students heard how apprenticeships help build skills while enabling participants to gain recognised qualifications and valuable workplace experience.