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.
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
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.
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 .
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 Thursday 23 February 2023
Seagoe Hotel Portadown
9.00am to 13.30pm
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
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 .
YENI Entrepreneurial Workshop
Wednesday 1 February 2023
Craigavon Civic Centre
9.30am – 13.00pm
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: .
We use cookies on your computer or mobile device to make this website better.
By clicking Accept or continuing, you agree to our cookie policy. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Accept Cookie PolicyRead More About Our Cookie Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.