Labour Market Partnership

In This Section

Why Invest?
Business Programmes
Start your business
Business Events
Business News
Business premises
Enterprise Week
Sign Up For The Business E-Newsletter
Bleary Business Centre
Food Heartland
Local Full Fibre Networks
Low Power Wide Area Networks
Business Awards
Mipim UK
Back to Business Menu

In This Section

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

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

You can access full details below.

ABC LMP Programmes

HGV Training and Employment Academy

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 9^th September 2022.

Rapid Response Employment Programme

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

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