Free Belfast Employment Academies Roadshows to Help Jobseekers Find New Careers

Free Belfast Employment Academies roadshows will take place across the city from Tuesday 29 September to Thursday 1 October. Jobseekers and people looking for more working hours can meet training providers, explore different careers and learn about free training opportunities. No registration is required.

People looking for work, considering a career change or hoping to increase their working hours are being encouraged to attend a series of Belfast Employment Academies roadshows taking place across the city.

The free drop-in events are being organised by Belfast City Council and will run from Tuesday 29 September until Thursday 1 October.

Visitors will be able to speak directly with training providers and find out about upcoming Employment Academies covering sectors including:

• Transport and logistics
• Beauty and salon services
• Construction
• Social care
• Childcare and working with children
• Technology
• Business services

No advance registration is required for any of the roadshows.

Belfast Employment Academies Roadshow Dates and Locations

Five sessions will take place at venues across Belfast.

Tuesday 29 September

Girdwood Community Hub
10 Girdwood Avenue, Belfast, BT14 6EG
Time: 10am to 12 noon

McDonald Centre
St Vincent Street, Belfast, BT15 3QG
Time: 2pm to 4pm

Wednesday 30 September

2 Royal Avenue
Belfast, BT1 1DA
Time: 10am to 1pm

Thursday 1 October

Andersonstown Leisure Centre
32 Andersonstown Road, Belfast, BT11 9BY
Time: 10am to 12 noon

Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
216 Falls Road, Belfast, BT12 6AH
Time: 2pm to 4pm

All five events are free to attend and visitors can simply call in.

Full roadshow details are available from Belfast City Council’s official event page.

What Are Belfast Employment Academies?

Belfast Employment Academies are short to medium-term training programmes designed to help people prepare for employment.

The academies combine practical training with employability support and are developed around sectors where employment opportunities are available.

Depending on the academy, participants may receive:

• Industry-specific training
• Accredited or technical qualifications
• Pre-interview training
• Employability support
• Confidence-building support
• Information from people already working in the sector
• Opportunities to interview for available jobs

Belfast City Council says Employment Academies can include a guaranteed interview for people who complete the programme.

People interested in taking part can find details of current academies, eligibility requirements and registration through Belfast City Council’s Employment Academies service.

Who Can Take Part?

Employment Academies are aimed at people living in the Belfast City Council area who are unemployed, working fewer hours than they would like or, for some programmes, seeking career progression.

Eligibility can vary between individual academies.

Anyone unsure which programme is most suitable can speak directly with council staff and training providers during one of the roadshows.

Visitors Can Apply for Academies at the Roadshows

The events offer more than general careers information.

People attending will be able to:

• Speak directly with Employment Academy staff
• Meet training providers
• Explore different career options
• Find out what training is involved
• Learn about academies currently accepting applications
• Express an interest in future programmes
• Find out how to apply

The roadshows could therefore be particularly useful for anyone considering a career change but unsure which route or training programme would suit them.

Council Encourages Belfast Residents to Explore Their Options

Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said:

“Our Employment Academies continue to make a real difference to people across Belfast, helping them gain the skills, confidence and experience needed to progress towards employment opportunities.”

He added:

“Whether you’re currently unemployed, looking to return to work, considering a new career direction or hoping to increase your hours, these roadshow events are a great opportunity to explore the options available to you.”

Councillor Duffy said the academies work with employers and training providers across a wide range of sectors to create opportunities for different career interests.

Belfast Employment Academies Roadshows: Key Information

Dates: Tuesday 29 September to Thursday 1 October 2026

Locations: Five venues across Belfast

Cost: Free

Registration: No advance registration required

Who are they for? People looking for work, additional hours, career development or information about training opportunities.

Residents can also register their interest in an Employment Academy through Belfast City Council.

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If you are looking for work or considering a career change, check which Employment Academies roadshow is closest to you and call in between 29 September and 1 October. No advance registration is required.