How the JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway Works

Belfast jobseekers are being encouraged to attend a city-centre Jobs Fair to find out more about the JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway, a new programme designed to connect people with training, paid work placements and long-term apprenticeship opportunities.

The initiative is being delivered by Belfast City Council in partnership with the Department for Communities, the Department for the Economy, and the Belfast Labour Market Partnership.

How the JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway Works

The JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway is built on the council’s proven Employment Academy model, which has helped more than 2,500 people into work over the past five years.

Under the scheme:

• Successful applicants receive training and tailored support during February
• This leads to a six- or nine-month paid JobStart placement
• On successful completion, participants are offered an apprenticeship with their employer
• Most roles are within construction, technology and business services

Training will include:

• CV preparation
• Interview skills
• Time management
• Employability and workplace readiness

Jobs Fair Details

The council is hosting a Jobs Fair for anyone interested in taking part.

📍 Location: 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast
🗓 Date: Wednesday 28 January
⏰ Time: 10am onwards
📝 Registration: Not required

Attendees will be able to:

• Learn about JobStart training taking place in February
• Speak directly with employers offering roles
• Meet work coaches from the Department for Communities
• Check eligibility and receive advice and guidance

What the Council and Ministers Say

Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said the programme could be a vital step forward for many jobseekers:

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who is out of work or finding it difficult to take the next step to call in and see if this is the right fit for them.”

He added that the Employment Academy model has already proven successful and that the new pathway responds directly to employer demand, particularly in growth sectors such as construction.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons highlighted the scale of the JobStart scheme:

“JobStart is the biggest employment scheme of its kind, reaching more people and employers than any previous employability programme.”

He encouraged jobseekers to attend the event and engage directly with employers and advisors.

Who the JobStart Scheme Is For

The JobStart scheme is aimed at:

• Working-age benefit claimants
• People who are unemployed or economically inactive
• Individuals who need additional support to move into work

The programme is designed to remove barriers to employment while creating a clear route into skilled, long-term careers.

Find Out More

For full details on the JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway and the Jobs Fair, visit:
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/jobsfair