Antrim and Newtownabbey encouraged to kickstart a career in security
A new bespoke Employment Academy has been launched to tackle skill shortages in the security industry. The week-long intensive programme is designed to provide the skills, training and industry accreditations needed to begin a career in the security sector.
Delivered for residents by the Antrim and Newtownabbey Labour Market Partnership (LMP), the Academy will take place from Monday, January 26 to Friday, January 30 at Workforce Training Services, 465 Antrim Road, BT15 3BP.
The programme offers a comprehensive package of security and health and safety training, including Emergency First Aid, ACT (Counter Terrorism), Manned Guarding and Key Holding. Participants will also receive support to obtain a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence, alongside employability support such as CV writing, interview preparation, confidence building and live employer interviews.
To ensure participants can fully engage with the programme, support is available to help remove barriers such as childcare, transport and other practical challenges. All participants who complete the Academy will be guaranteed an interview with local security and events companies.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said, “Programmes like the SIA Employment Academy play a vital role in supporting our residents into sustainable employment while meeting the needs of local employers. By providing accredited training, practical support and guaranteed interviews with employers, this Academy is helping people build confidence, gain valuable skills and take positive steps towards long-term careers in the security sector.
“I would strongly encourage anyone who is unemployed or considering a new career path to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”
Funded by the Department for Communities, LMPs create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
In addition to the SIA Employment Academy, two further employment academies are currently available, including Medical Administration and Welding Skills.
Whether you are interested in applying for this academy or you are a business interested in supporting the programme with vacancies, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/employment-academies for more details.