Maiden Voyage Dance is inviting 3–6-year-olds and their grown-ups to join them on a ‘suit safari’ in their new show ‘MORF’, which will premiere at The MAC as part of Belfast Children’s Festival on 5 – 6 March. 

Exploring the magical in the everyday, ‘MORF’ sees two dancers use ordinary suit jackets to create familiar animals – including a jellyfish, an elephant, a bird, and a worm – as young audiences travel with them to a ‘fabric fantasy’ world of clouds, mountains, volcanos and castles. Nothing stays the same for long as what is there in one second is gone and transformed into something new the next.

Nicola Curry, Artistic Director ofMaiden Voyage Dance said: 

“A key part of encouraging creativity in young children is to share how to make something magical out of nothing. ‘MORF’ is a playful new dance show which embraces change with gentle, ever-shifting movement and rhythm, celebrating the joy of play, transformation and imagination.”

‘MORF’ marks Maiden Voyage Dance’s welcome return to Belfast Children’s Festival after the company’s sell-out run with ‘Turnabout’ at last year’s event.

This year’s show has been created by choreographer David Ogle with performers Adam Ashford and Maeve McGreevy, lighting designer Ciaran Bagnall, costume and set designer Diana Ennis and composer Brian Irvine. ‘MORF’ is commissioned and produced by Maiden Voyage Dance. 

Looking forward to ’MORF’, Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Acting Head of Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:

“The Arts Council is very excited to welcome this new work from Maiden Voyage, who lead the field in innovative contemporary dance experiences for the whole family here in Northern Ireland. The inherent joyousness and playfulness of ‘MORF’ will be particularly impactful as we return to sharing live dance together.

I can think of nothing better than being whisked off on a journey of imagination and movement by this fantastic team of creatives, and to be given permission once again to dream and wonder and dare to look at things differently. I’d encourage people to get out and experience the exhilarating, transformative joy of live dance for themselves with ‘MORF’.”

Maiden Voyage Dance is principally funded by Arts Council of Northern Ireland and funded by Belfast City Council. ‘MORF’ is supported by Ulster Presents at Ulster University.

Duration: 30-35 mins

• Live performances               
• The MAC, Belfast      5-6 March, 2.30pm and 4.30pm 
•  
• Audio Described performances
• 6 March, 2.30pm and 4.30pm
•  
• Relaxed performance
• 6 March, 4.30pm
•  
• School performances            
• The MAC, Belfast      4,8,9 March
•  
• Streamed performances        
• Online QFT Player     12-13 March

For further information and to book tickets (£10 each) for ‘MORF’, visit  https://www.youngatartevents.co.uk/whats-on/morf

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is pleased to launch its new combined experience ‘Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira’. This initiative is designed to boost the tourism and hospitality economy within these two rural villages involving 40 local businesses.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Rural Tourism Collaborative Experience (RTCE) programme and the council this new programme has and will continue to integrate local authentic food and drink businesses with tourism providers in Royal Hillsborough and Moira.  It will drive footfall, sales, awareness and dwell time in these areas through combined visitor experiences and itineraries.

Speaking about the programme, Vice Chair of the council’s Development Committee, Councillor Hazel Legge said: “We are delighted with the response to the programme and to have so many interested and engaged partners is a testament to the success of the tourism and hospitality sector in these rural areas. Moira and Royal Hillsborough are unique gems, and it is important that we support, encourage, and celebrate the wonderful offerings already in place, as well as drive future collaboration.

“I would like to thank our local businesses for their engagement with our council officers and for the feedback they provided to help shape this programme. Together we have formed new alliances and been educated on the business offering of both areas. A visitor no longer wants a run of the mill trip – it’s all about having experiences; something different, memorable and impressive.

“With the wealth of bars and restaurants, accommodation options and tourist attractions, there is so much on offer; whether you want a one-day trip or a three night stay. This tourism concept will bring to the masses the wonders of our council’s charming rural areas, its people and place.”

As part of the programme new bespoke itineraries have been created to showcase the best of what the areas have to offer. These suggested plans give top tips and ideas of new things to experience, adventure to new places, and sample some of the best cuisine these rural areas have to offer.

Speaking about the programme, Lynne McCabe who owns Ralph’s Moira and Lisnacurran in Royal Hillsborough said: “The COVID-19 pandemic created an explosion of growth and new tourism thanks to the support of the staycation market. We need to maximise on this as a springboard for when overseas tourism markets return. We are thankful to be placed in the hub of Northern Ireland, so close and accessible to everywhere being located right on the Belfast to Dublin corridor. I look forward to the programme bringing the best of the areas together and showcasing what we have on offer.”

The programme will be supported by the roll out of outdoor advertising, digital communications and storytelling that showcase some of the participating businesses, highlighting their business successes.

A new, easy to navigate webpage has been created to help visitors plan their next day trip, staycation, or adventure. Visit to www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com/royal-hillsborough-and-historic-moira to learn more about the programme and see the raft of experience itineraries on offer.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to welcome you this mid-term and into Spring to experience an out of this world trip to remember. The planetarium is the ideal place to create long lasting memories and spark curiosity to learn more about space.

From immersive dome shows to exploring the cosmos at the interactive exhibition space, and sensory room, there is something to keep everyone captivated during their day out. The planetarium is equipped with a state-of-the-art Digistar 7 digital project system for an all-immersive theatre experience. Visitors of all ages will be immersed in a 360-degree dome experience where shows are played on the roof

The planetarium is showcasing many dome-shows during the mid-term holidays and spring, suitable for all ages. Shows include, “Astronaut George” best suited for pre-schoolers and little ones. “Perfect Little Planet” is the ideal show for families as you discover the Solar System, taking you on the ultimate space vacation! “We are Stars” is the perfect animated dome show for over 6’s and seeks to answer some of the biggest questions for all time; what are we made of and where did it all come from?

The shows are not just for the kids, adults have the chance to view some immersive dome shows too. “Look Up! A Winter Night Sky Tour” takes you on a tour around the night sky as seen from Ireland. Let a presenter guide you through the beautiful objects and constellations seen at this time of year. This show is ideal for anyone starting out in astronomy or interested in learning about what can be seen in the night sky. More shows are available.

The cleverly designed interactive exhibition area allows little ones to explore outer space and broaden their curiosity for the intergalactic phenomena. You can touch a real piece of ancient history; a real meteorite!

To get outdoors, explore the Astropark which has a scale model of the Universe, brought down to Earth in a beautiful natural setting. As you journey through the park you will get to interact with a scale model of the Solar System.

The recently refurbished modern sensory room provides an enjoyable and calming multisensory experience for all our visitors, with features including bubble tubes and interactive exhibits. 

Leave some time in your day out to refuel at the café and explore the shop for treats, educational gifts and more.

For those with additional needs, a brand-new changing places facility is available to assist to ensure your day out is relaxing and you have everything you need.

Tickets for the dome shows and exhibitions are available to purchase online via www.armagh.space and pre booking is required. The Armagh Observatory & Planetarium is open to the public Tuesday – Sunday.

‘Callings’ is a poignant new political play from Kabosh, following the lives of five gay/lesbian people who sought sanctuary and community through Cara-Friend – a phoneline and befriending service set up in 1974 to support our hidden LGBTQ+ communities.

Created by local playwright Dominic Montague, and directed by Paula McFetridge, this compelling piece of theatre is grounded in research and conversations with Cara-Friend’s founders and early service users. ‘Callings’ tells their stories, of the countless isolated individuals who reached out and found support and strength, from a volunteer at the end of the phone.

Charged with the music of the day, ‘Callings’ examines the LGBTQ+ experience in the north during the late 70s and early 80s.   Following the lives of Bridget, Helen, Martin, Jason, and Tommy, ‘Callings’ explores how these bright and resilient individuals found themselves, and each other, during oppressive times.

‘Callings’ looks at the historical challenges faced by local LGBTQ+ communities, and tells a series of powerful personal stories that will make you laugh, cry, and consider just how far we’ve come.

Paula McFetridge, Artistic Director of Kabosh said “Kabosh is privileged to commission and produce this beautiful new play by Dominic Montague as part of LGBTQ+ History Month, February 2022.  The stories of our local LGBTQ+ communities are filled with fierce resilience, struggle, and political oppression, yet there is much humanity, kindness, and solidarity to be celebrated.”

Callings will be on stage at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Saturday 19 February. Tickets can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, or through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

A major campaign has launched to boost perceptions of careers in hospitality and tourism, helping to attract new talent and tackle staffing challenges.

Recruitment has been a priority concern for employers in hospitality and tourism, which when compounded by the impact of COVID-19, has left many businesses struggling to recruit a full workforce, resulting in closures and scaled back service.

To confront this head-on employer-led network the Hospitality & Tourism Skills network (HATS) has partnered with Tourism NI to spearhead a multi-channel advertising campaign to promote the breadth of exciting opportunities that the industry has to offer potential job seekers.

Going live on 31 January 2022 and running until the end of March 2022, the campaign features a series of quirky eye-catching job descriptions across billboards, outdoor advertising and social media to attract attention and highlight the dynamic and fast-paced roles available, helping to attract new recruits.

Roisin McKee, Director of HATS said the campaign seeks to encourage people to join an industry that is looking to come back, bigger and better than ever.

She explained: “There are incredible opportunities for people to join hospitality and tourism and experience rewarding careers at all skill levels and this campaign is designed to help us get that message out.

“Working with industry and partners we want to help combat the staffing challenges and support the recovery of the industry by challenging perceptions and promoting the exciting and diverse opportunities on offer right now, helping to support recruitment and drive retention.

“Many employers are working harder than ever to attract and retain talent by making fundamental changes to offer a better quality job experience, so jobseekers can expect to be well looked after.”

As part of the campaign, employers are invited to advertise their vacancies for free on the CareerScope campaign jobs portal.
Supporting the campaign, the Department for the Economy (DfE) Minister said: “This important campaign highlights the many opportunities for employment across all disciplines in the

Tourism and hospitality industry and shows an encouraging future for a resilient sector as it seeks to recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Attracting and building a skilled workforce to meet industry’s requirements, both now and in the future, are vital in helping to drive recovery in the sector and ensuring Northern Ireland is able to compete on the global stage and maintain its reputation as a world class tourism destination.”

The campaign will be addressing three key priorities for the sector, those are to Attract, Retain and Engage employees and jobseekers as part of a wider Tourism Recovery Action Plan and the NI Skills Strategy.

Tourism NI Director of Strategic Development David Roberts said: “Recruiting into the hospitality and tourism sector has been challenging for a number of years due to the speed at which the industry has grown, tackling this alongside reducing staff turnover, are both clear priorities for the sector.

“We are delighted to be working with the Hospitality & Tourism Skills Network to deliver this awareness campaign which will boost the message that the sector is a positive career choice. Attracting and building a skilled and sustainable workforce is key to ensuring that tourism can recover and return to the levels of success achieved in the years up to 2019.

“We strongly encourage employers to register now to take advantage of promoting their vacancies for free to benefit directly from the campaign.”

The HATS network, set up in December 2019, brings together a diverse mix of employers from across the hospitality and tourism sector alongside industry associations and key delivery partners from government and education in order to collectively address issues around sector image, attractiveness and skills development into and within the sector.

The HATS network project is supported by Invest Northern Ireland under its Collaborative Growth Programme.

Supporters of the recruitment campaign include the NI Hotels Federation, NI Tourism Alliance, Hospitality Ulster, Bus and Coach NI, Springboard, Invest NI, Institute of Hospitality, Ulster University, the six FE colleges, the Department for the Economy and Department for Communities.

Employers can upload their vacancies for free at careerscope.uk.net/employer-sign-up

Jobseekers can check out jobs available at careerscope.uk.net/jobs/NI or follow #CountMeIn

Tourism NI has welcomed the news that four towns in Northern Ireland have been awarded the friendliest visitor destinations in the UK with Enniskillen in County Fermanagh voted number one most welcoming in the UK.

Alongside Enniskillen, Ballycastle, County Antrim; Bushmills, County Antrim and Newcastle, County Down all appeared on the Booking.com top 10 most welcoming list.

Tourism NI chief executive John McGrillen said the news was a much needed boost for the tourism sector in Northern Ireland that has experienced a two year blow to an industry which was riding high after a record breaking 2019 when revenue surpassed £1 billion for the first time.

He added: “While it has been two years of unprecedented crisis for the industry, I am pleased to know that despite the enormous challenges, our towns have dominated the top 10 list of friendliest visitor destinations. The news comes in the same week as the Game of Thrones Studio Tour opens its doors to the public and will help to put Northern Ireland on the map as a must visit destination for those far and wide.”

McGrillen believes the tourism industry has been incredibly resilient in the face of the global pandemic. 

“There will be brighter opportunities in the years ahead and I have confidence that with the appropriate support, tourism in Northern Ireland will bounce back,” he said. 

Other locations which made the top 10 list were Frome in Somerset; Glastonbury, Somerset: Shetland; Wick, Highlands and Kelso, Scottish Borders.

Following research from more than 232 million verified reviews as part of Booking.com’s 10th annual Traveller Review Awards, the awards recognise more than 1.25 million travel providers around the world for their hospitality, including 53,623 in the UK.

The winning list was decided by the total share of Traveller Review Award 2022 recipients when compared to the total number of eligible properties in that town or city.

McGrillen added: “Tourism is absolutely vital for us as it provides passengers for our public transport and supports sea and air routes; it generates revenue to support our culture and heritage assets and can contribute to the protection of our natural environment; it provides revenue for central and local government and promotes a positive image of Northern Ireland overseas, supporting foreign direct investment.”

With only a few weeks left of Slow Food Causeway Events, the calendar is jam packed with a mixture of some familiar Slow Food favourites and new events.

Originally founded in Italy during the 1980s to combine the regional traditions with the slow pace of life. Since then, the Slow Food movement has evolved worldwide and hopes to preserve the ‘unique culinary heritage’ of NI. 

Taste Causeway is an accredited Slow Food destination, one of only a handful of destinations in Ireland to be awarded the accolade by the global Slow Food Movement.

Slow Food Causeway celebrates the unique food and drink culture of the Causeway Coast.

 

Here are 7 upcoming Slow Food Causeway Events happening:

1 & 2. Slow Food Causeway: Sourdough Baking Classes with Ursa Minor

Sunday, February 6 and February 20, 9am – 5pm

Come along and spend your Sunday learning the art of traditional sourdough making with the talented team of bakers at a Slow Food 2020 accredited bakery, Ursa Minor Bakehouse.

The class will cover the theory on 3 different types of bread, using both sourdough culture and yeast and all guests will have the opportunity to take home their loaves for family and friends to enjoy.

For more information, go to tastecauseway.com/event/ursa-minor-sourdough-making-class 

3. Slow Food Causeway: Broughgammon Butchery Course

Sunday, February 13, 1:30pm – 4:30pm

This hands-on afternoon is ideal for those who are curious about butchering and want to improve their skills.

Led by the highly skilled team at the award-winning Broughgammon farm, each guest will be taught everything they need to know about butchering from knife handling skills, cutting techniques.

After the event, guests can take home a complimentary boning knife and the meat cuts ready to cook.

For more information, go to tastecauseway.com/event/broughgammon-farm-butchery-course 

4. Slow Food Causeway: Smoking Masterclass with North Coast Smokehouse

Saturday 19th February, 1:00pm – 4:30pm

Join Ruairidh from North Coast Smokehouse for an afternoon of curing and smoking some seafood favourites. 

In this hands-on masterclass, you will learn the techniques involved in smoking hot and cold fish. 

From filleting, curing and hot smoking, this is a wonderful chance to learn artisan skills off an award winning smoker. 

Plus you’ll get to take home your smoked trout and your own small scale smoker to share your new skills with family and friends.

For more information, go to tastecauseway.com/event/smoking-masterclass-with-north-coast-smokehouse

5. Slow Seafood Soiree with Native Seafood and Paula McIntyre

Sunday, 20th February, 7pm 

Join in on the celebration of our local, seasonal fish with Slow Food Director Paula McIntyre MBE at Native Seafood in Portstewart where you will enjoy a seven course tasting menu, drinks and music. 

For more information go to tastecauseway.com/event/slow-seafood-soiree-with-paula-mcintyre 

6. The Spirit of the Bann Tour with Causeway Coast Foodie Tours

Saturday 26th February, 2:30pm

The award winning Causeway Coast Foodie Tours are back this Spring with their very special ‘The Spirit of the Bann’ river whiskey tasting experience along the picturesque river.

‘The Spirit of the Bann’ along with White River Charters are hosting an afternoon full of exquisite whiskey flavours accompanied by an array of tasty award-winning local Slow Food produce. 

Where better to celebrate our unique Slow Food food and drink heritage than via a journey on the River Bann alongside the beautiful site of Mountsandel, Coleraine.

For more information go to tastecauseway.com/events

7. North Supper Club by Ursa Minor at a Secret Location

Saturday 26th February, 7pm to late

Join the casual and relaxed evening with friends and enjoy a delicious feast, celebrating the best local produce with Ciara from Ursa Minor. 

Enjoy three courses of beautiful seasonal food served under twinkling lights and candlelight in an unbelievably special location five minutes from Ballycastle.

After dinner, guests will be entertained by some of the finest voices on the island right now; the stunning vocal harmonies of Lemoncello; superb Dublin poet & playwright Stephen James Smith & the enthralling experimental folk artist Joshua Burnside.

For more information go to tastecauseway.com/event/north-supper-club-by-ursa-minor-bakehouse

The Causeway Coast and Glens is Northern Ireland’s first accredited Slow Food destination, Taste Causeway, the collaborative network of local food and drink businesses was awarded the accolade by the global Slow Food Movement following a rigorous assessment process.

To launch and celebrate this prestigious award Taste Causeway is running a six month programme of events, dining experiences, tours and special menus.

Taste Causeway is delivering Slow Food Causeway with funding from Tourism NI in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. For more information go to tastecauseway.com/slow-food-causeway or follow the hashtags #SlowFoodCauseway and #TasteCauseway

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is bringing classical music back where it belongs; live on stage, with a thrilling line-up of the best of our local musical talent.

Join Ulster Touring Opera on Wednesday 16 February for ‘A Night At The Opera’. BBC Radio Ulster Classical Connections presenter John Toal, hosts a stellar quartet of singers, including award-winning mezzo-soprano Carolyn Dobbin and rising star Amy Ní Fhearraigh, performing a programme of much-loved opera arias, duets and ensembles.

Renowned pianist Ruth McGinley will perform music by opera’s greatest composers including Mozart, Puccini, Rossini and Verdi.

The evening will also feature the world premiere of an exciting new piece by Brian Irvine, commissioned by Ulster Touring Opera. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us for a night of celebration and surprises though the magic of opera! Tickets are priced £17.50 and £15 (concession).

Belfast-born Michael McHale has established himself as one of Ireland’s leading pianists and has developed a busy international career as a solo recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician. He returns to The Market Place on Thursday 17 February, with a programme which will include Beethoven’s Sonata no.8 in C minor op.13 ‘Pathetique’ and Sonata no.14 in C# minor op.27 no.2 ‘Moonlight’, Linda Buckley’s Solas na Géalai, and a new commission from rising NI composer Áine Mallon: Raindrop Prelude.

A multi award-winning musician, Michael has performed as a soloist with the Minnesota, Hallé, Moscow Symphony and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras, City of London Sinfonia, London Mozart Players and all five of the major Irish orchestras. Tickets for this performance are priced £15 and £12.50 (concession).

Tickets can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

Festival of music and light comes to the Walled City

The historic Walled City of Derry will come to life in February with an immersive music and light festival called, ‘Illuminate’. 

Illuminate will brighten up the dark winter nights with a trail of live projection shows across the city’s most iconic buildings, turning them into spectacular pieces of art.

Illuminate will run over two weekends, 17^th to the 20^th and 24^th to the 27^th of February, and visitors can expect a breath-taking display of music, drama and art installations telling the incredible stories of a legendary place, explained Odhran Dunne, Visit Derry.

Odhran said: “Illuminate is a new festival that’s going to be an atmospheric spectacular featuring state-of-the-art projections which tell the unique story of Derry along a 1.5km route.  Adults and children will be transfixed by the live illumination experiences as the story unfolds on their walk around the 400-year-old walls. It’s an experience like no other this February and not to be missed.”

The magical trail of live projection shows will transform familiar buildings and fortifications into huge night-time audio-visual animations that play for a few minutes as visitors walk past.

“Attendees will be treated to captivating displays created by local lighting and visual production company, Visual Spectrum”, said Odhran. “Plus, a full programme of entertainment, performances, music and drama that will re-imagine public spaces across the city, showcasing our diverse arts and cultural offering.”

The trail charts five eras in the city’s history from early settlement on a wooded island in the River Foyle right up to the vibrant city of today, continued Odhran: “People will relive, in epic fashion, some of the dramatic scenes from the Siege of Derry 1689, learn of the city’s more recent history and how the city has been reimagined.  There are six key locations to look out for, including the wonderful 400-year-old walls, the original Walled city gates, the iconic Guildhall and St. Columb’s Cathedral.”

The Illuminate programme also includes a series of energetic music gigs in intimate spaces, in partnership with Music Capital, showcasing established and emerging artists to bring audiences a truly memorable experience.

Odhran said: “Headline music performances include Neil Cowley, who returns following his stint as the Musician in Residence for Derry’s UK City of Culture, Irish contemporary folk music band, Kila and Donegal sisters, The Henry Girls.”

Ryan Vail, Visual Spectrum, said: “The festival will see the biggest projection show illuminating the Story of Derry to ever come to the City. Using the newest technologies such as lidar, Visual Spectrum will transform the most iconic buildings in the city. The various sites will animate the city’s history in a way that’s never been done before. Viewers will experience a range of different styles of projection and projection mapping at this festival.”

A trip to Derry~Londonderry wouldn’t be complete without sampling the delicious food and drink, warm hospitality, exciting things to do and places to explore.

Odhran added: “The City has more than its fair share of fantastic restaurants and cafes, craic filled bars and hotels, a bustling street food scene, and hidden gems, like the Derry Craft Village to explore. We have award-winning craft beers brewed at Walled City Brewery, Redgate Ciders and Northbound Brewery and some of the best local food and drink producers around.

“The Siege Museum and Museum of Free Derry tell visitors about our fascinating history as do the sociable walking and foodie tours. For active visitors there are pursuits like an exhilarating Foyle Venture Cruise and Far + Wild foodie cycle tour. Or get the most from your stay with a Visit Derry Pass that gives access to ten attractions and activities across the city”, concluded Odhran.

Illuminate is a free, evening event, wheelchair and pram friendly; this fully accessible route is the perfect activity for all the family. There is a schedule of ticketed concerts in the Guildhall, St Augustine’s Church and other venues.  Hotel accommodation starts from £45per person sharing, so turn your February trip into a weekend escape.

For more information on Illuminate, click on www.visitderry.com/illuminate or call Visit Derry on + 44 (0) 28 7137 7577.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council announces the first Labour Market Partnership project with the launch of a brand new Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) HGV Training and Employment Academy, which will deliver fully-funded training for 45 applicants to qualify as HGV drivers and guarantee an interview with a local employer with HGV vacancies.

The ABC HGV Training and Employment Academy will fully fund 45 eligible individuals to gain a HGV licence (Class 1 or Class 2) and a guaranteed interview, on successful HGV licensing. Applications are open until 5pm Monday 31 January 2022.

The programme has been designed to respond to specific local needs by closing the gap between local employer needs and the chronic skilled labour shortage in the HGV sector. Funding has been provided by the Department for Communities through the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Labour Market Partnership.

Minister Hargey welcomed the announcement of the HGV Training Academy being launched by Armagh Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council in partnership with the Department for Communities.

“I am delighted that my Department has been able to fund this much-needed programme, providing critical support to an industry that has been hit hard by the pandemic. The Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Labour Market Partnership training programme will help people improve their employability skills and provide opportunities to fill significant vacancies during a difficult period for the North’s haulage industry.”

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Alderman Glenn Barr said:

“The ABC HGV Training Academy is an excellent opportunity to participate in a fully-funded training programme and an interview with a local employer with current HGV vacancies.

“Interest in this programme is expected to be very high so I’d encourage anyone who is thinking about it to check the eligibility criteria and apply early. I’d also encourage local businesses who have any HGV vacancies to get in touch as a key part of the programme is matching applicants to your specific needs.”

Applicants to the ABC HGV Training and Employment Academy must be resident in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough; aged over 21; willing to undertake a medical examination; hold a valid UK Driving Licence. They must also fulfil at least ONE of the following criteria: currently unemployed; under-employed; employed but at risk of redundancy; or employed and interested in upskilling or reskilling.

If you are interested in joining the ABC HGV Training and Employment Academy as a candidate, or if you represent a local employer in the ABC Borough and would like to tell us about your specific transport and logistics recruitment needs and offer an interview to a qualified candidate, get in touch by contacting: academy@people-1st.co.uk<mailto:academy@people-1st.co.uk> or calling 028 3834 7000. More information including full eligibility criteria can be found at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/hgvacademy<http://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/hgvacademy>.

Various courses will be available commencing early February 2022 comprising: a one-day theory lesson; 25 hours online training; theory test; five-day practical lesson (including test) over one week. Following successful completion of the theory and practical tests, participants will attend a one-day employability session; one-to-one mentoring including help with updating your CV and preparing for interview, after which they will be invited to attend interview(s). Applicants must be available to attend all sessions. All training will be carried out in the Craigavon area.

The ABC HGV Training and Employment Academy is part of the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Labour Market Partnership (LMP), a joint public/private sector initiative which aims to ensure that a quality skills provision is driven by demand for skills in the economy, leading to reduced unemployment. Other LMP programmes will be announced throughout the year across various employment sectors.