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Labour Market Partnership

Labour Market Partnership

In February 2021, the Labour Market Partnership (LMP) was established through funding from the Department of the Communities (DfC) in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council area.

The ABC Labour Market Partnership (ABC LMP) undertook a strategic assessment of employability outcomes and local labour market conditions within the region to inform a locally focused Action Plan.

Labour Market Partnership logo

At the heart of the ABC LMP is the need to ensure that a quality skills provision is driven by demand for skills in the economy, leading to reduced unemployment. The aim is for residents in our borough to have the skills, information, support, and opportunities to succeed in the labour market so they can make informed choices, access effective pathways, and reach their full potential.

Co-designed with a range of stakeholders, the ABC LMP aims to support the local economy with a resilient, agile, and flexible workforce.

ABC LMP Action Plan 2022-23

The ABC LMP Action Plan 2022-23 identifies four thematic areas

  • Unemployed young people
  • Recently unemployed
  • Economically inactive
  • Furthest from the labour market.

You can access full details below.

ABC LMP Programmes

Programme now closed to applicants but local employers can still get involved!

ABC HGV Employment and Training Academy – Information for Prospective Drivers

The ABC HGV Employment and Training Academy will fully fund eligible individuals to gain a HGV licence Class 1 or Class 2 and a guaranteed interview, on successful HGV licensing.

All elements of the programme including training and testing will take place in the Craigavon area.

Places are limited, so find out more today!

Who can apply?
This opportunity is open to all residents in the Borough and is specifically aimed at those who meet all of the following criteria:

  • Over 21
  • Willing to undertake a mandatory medical examination
  • Hold a valid UK Driving Licence (both the driving card and paper counterpart will be required)
  • Live in the Borough and able to provide proof of address
  • Be available to complete all elements of the training

Employment Status (one of the following criteria)

  • Unemployed (Not in paid work)
  • Under-employed (Working 16 hours or less per week)
  • Employed but at risk of redundancy

Commitment: You must be available from Monday 12 of September to Friday 2 December 2022 for the following elements of the ABC HGV Training and Employment Academy:

  • Attend one day theory training (in person)
  • 25 hours online training (to be completed in own time)
  • Theory test (to be completed at the official Portadown test site)
  • Attend five day practical training, including HGV driver test (over one week)
  • One day employability support (including help to update your CV and preparing for interview)
  • Attend interview(s)

For more information or to register your interest please email: or call: 028 3834 7000 / 028 9030 3981

Closing date to register your interest is 5.00pm on Friday 9th September 2022.

Agrifood Programme

The Agrifood Programme will support 20 eligible individuals through a package of support designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, experience, and confidence to begin a career with an agrifood business in the borough.

What is included?

  • Bespoke training programme covering a range of roles and career pathways within this fast-paced, ever-growing industry; from food preparation and production to team leading, driving, farm working and much more.
  • One-to-one mentoring support, job matching, CV, and interview support
  • Industry site visits, career taster opportunities and the chance to hear from local employers and people working in the sector
  • Individual personal assessment and development plan tailored with support you need such as:
    • Level 2 Award in Food Safety and Hygiene
    • Manual Handling

Who can apply?

This opportunity is open to all residents in the borough who are

  • unemployed, or
  • working 16 hours/week or less, or
  • at risk of redundancy.

Local Agrifood employer?

If you are a local employer within the Agrifood sector we would love to hear from you too! Help contribute to programme content that meets your business needs and develop a pipeline of new talent for your business.

Further information and how to apply?

All places on the Agrifood Programme are funded by the Department for Communities through the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Labour Market Partnership.

To apply, complete a registration form before 5pm on Tuesday 06 December 2022 by clicking here or for more information, please contact People 1st on 028 3833 7000 or email .


Get Future Ready in 2023

Are you currently studying? Seeking employment? Or looking to change jobs? Then join us this February as we open the door to an array of exciting career and training opportunities on offer in the borough, helping you get ahead and Get Future Ready in 2023!

As part of the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Labour Market Partnership, we’re working alongside Banbridge District Enterprises, local enterprise partners and Southern Regional College to deliver a month-long programme of employability and skills events throughout this February!

With over 30 events, the Get Future Ready series has everything from ‘look and learn’ opportunities to ‘have a go’ trials, from employer visits to a locally focused job fair and from a Big Apprenticeship event to an employability and skills conference to name a few and guarantees to have something for everyone!

So get inspired and get ready to start exploring your future career in the borough today!

Programme of Events

Get Future Ready – Employability and Skills Conference

Get Future Ready – Employability and Skills Conference
Thursday 23 February 2023
Seagoe Hotel Portadown
9.00am to 13.30pm

Go On Have A Go!

Go On Have A Go! @Graphic Design
Thursday 9 February 2023
Armagh Business Centre
9.30 am – 12.30 pm

Go On Have A Go! @Barista
Monday 20 February 2023
Banbridge Enterprise Centre
9.30am – 12.30pm

Go On Have A Go! @ Butchery & Catering
Monday 20 February 2023
SRC Portadown
10.00 am – 11.00am

Go On Have A Go! @ Butchery & Catering
Monday 20 February 2023
SRC Portadown
11.00am – 12.00pm

Go On Have A Go! @Robotics
Monday 20 February 2023
SRC Portadown
10.00 am – 10.30am

Go On Have A Go! @Robotics
Monday 20 February 2023
SRC Portadown
10.30am – 11.00am

Go On Have A Go! @Science
Monday 20 February 2023
SRC Portadown
10.00 am – 10.30am

Go On Have A Go! @Science
Monday 20 February 2023
SRC Portadown
10.45 am – 11.15

Go On Have A Go! @Science
Monday 20 February 2023
SRC Portadown
11.30 am – 12.00 pm

Go On Have A Go! @Fitness Testing
Monday 20 February 2023
SRC Armagh
10.00am -11.00am

Go On Have A Go! @Outdoor Activities
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Portadown
10.00am -11.00am

Go On Have A Go! @Science
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
10.00am  10.30am

Go On Have A Go! @Science
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
10.45 am – 11.15

Go On Have A Go! @Science
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
11.30 am – 12.00 pm

Go On have A Go! @Robotics
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
17.00pm – 17.30pm

Go On have A Go! @Robotics
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
17.30pm – 18.00pm

Go On Have A Go! @Virtual Welding
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
10.00am – 12.00pm

Go On Have A Go! @Virtual Welding
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
17.00pm – 19.00pm

Go On Have A Go! @Hair Up – 10am
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
10:00am – 10:30am

Go On Have A Go! @Hair Up – 10.30am
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
10:30am – 11:00am

Go On Have A Go! @Catering
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
10.00am – 11.00am

Go On Have A Go! @Catering
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
11.00am – 12.00pm

Go On Have A Go! @Media
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
Between 10.00am – 12.00pm

Go On Have A Go! @Performing Arts & Music
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Armagh
Between 10.00am – 12.00pm

Go On Have A Go! @ Audio Visual
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Banbridge
Between 17.00pm – 19.00pm

Go On Have A Go! @Photography
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Banbridge
Between 17.00pm – 19.00pm

Go On Have A Go! @The Studio
Tuesday 21 February 2023
SRC Banbridge
Between 17.00pm – 19.00pm

Go On Have A Go! @Change A Nappy & Bath A Baby
Thursday 23 February 2023
SRC Lurgan
10.00am – 11.00am

Go On Have A Go! @Arts & Crafts
Thursday 23 February 2023
SRC Lurgan
11.00am – 12.00am

Go On Have A Go! @Hair Up
Thursday 23 February 2023
SRC Lurgan
11.00am – 12.00pm

Go On Have A Go! @Fitness Testing
Thursday 23 February 2023
SRC Lurgan
10.00am – 11.00am

Go On Have A Go! @Barista
Friday 24 February 2023
Banbridge Enterprise Centre
9.30am – 12.30pm

Look and Learn

Look and Learn @Construction – Portadown
Monday 27 February 2023
SRC Portadown
11.00am -11.30am

Look and Learn @Construction – Portadown
Monday 27 February 2023
SRC Portadown
11.30am – 12.00pm

Look and Learn @Construction – Armagh
Tuesday 28 February 2023
SRC Armagh
11.00am – 11.30am

Look and Learn @Construction – Armagh
Tuesday 28 February 2023
SRC Armagh
11.30am – 12.00pm

Big apprenticeship event advert

Get Future Ready SRC’s Big Apprenticeship Event
Thursday 9 February 2023
Craigavon Civic Centre, BT64 1AL
5.30pm – 7.30pm

Big Apprenticeship Event Employer Information:
If you are a local Employer who would like to exhibit at this event to promote Apprenticeship/Higher Level Apprenticeship opportunities for 2023, please email your enquiry to .

Get Future Ready – Job Fair

Get Future Ready – Job Fair
Thursday 16 February 2023
SRC Armagh
10.00am – 12.00pm

Get Future Ready Job Fair Employer Information:
If you are an Employer within the ABC Borough and would like to exhibit at this event to promote live job vacancies please email your enquiry to .

Webinars and workshops

YENI Entrepreneurial Workshop
Wednesday 1 February 2023
Craigavon Civic Centre
9.30am – 13.00pm

Understanding Levels of Qualifications with SRC
Wednesday 1 February 2023
Webinar

Interview Techniques with SRC
Thursday 2 February 2023
SRC Armagh
17.00pm – 18.00pm

Interview Techniques with SRC
Thursday 2 February 2023
SRC Armagh
18.00pm – 19.00pm

Visit An Employer Rosco Engineering
Monday 6 February 2023
Rosco Engineering, Armagh
9.30am – 12.30pm

Introduction To Side Hustles with Angeline Murphy
Tuesday 7 February 2023
CIDO Innovation Centre – Charlestown Road, Portadown
9.00am – 11.00am 

Visit An Employer Ulster Carpets
Wednesday 8 February 2023
Ulster Carpets, Portadown
14.00pm – 16.00pm

Visit An Employer SFM Engineering
Friday 10 February 2023
SFM Engineering, Keady
14.00pm – 18.00pm

Employment Skills Empowerment with Belinda O’Neill
Tuesday 14 February 2023
Tommy Makem Centre Keady BT60 3TD 
10.00am – 12.00pm

How To Run A Music School with Declan McDaid
Wednesday 15 February 2023
CIDO – Carn Industrial Estate, Portadown
10.00am – 12.00pm 

How To Be A Barista with Unch Coffee House
Wednesday 15 February 2023
CIDO Innovation Centre – Charlestown Road, Portadown
2:00pm to 3:00pm

How To Run A Tattoo Parlour with Luke Somerville
Wednesday 15 February 2023
CIDO Lurgan
13.00pm – 15.00pm

Employment Skills Empowerment with Belinda O’Neill
Thursday 16 February 2023
Banbridge Enterprise Centre
10.00am – 12.00pm

Visit An Employer Alternative Heat
Wednesday 22 February 2023
Alternative Heat, Banbridge
14.00pm – 16.00pm

How To Own The Room with Sinéad Lunny
Thursday 23 February 2023
Banbridge Enterprise Centre
9.30am – 12.30pm

The ABC LMP is also aligned to our Recovery and Growth Framework, developed to provide options as a pathway to aid inclusive and sustainable economic recovery in response to the pandemic.

Further information

To find out more about the ABC LMP, contact: .