Economy Minister Dr Has Welcomed a New
Assured Skills Academy Delivering High Quality Training in
Healthcare.
The Academy Is Fully Funded by the Department for the Economy and
Offers an Opportunity for 15 Individuals to Gain Industry
Recognised Qualifications and the Skills to Take up Potential
Healthcare Assistant Roles with Companies in Belfast and Outlying
Areas
Successful Applicants Will Attend an Eight-week Intensive
Training Course Delivered by Belfast Met at Girdwood Community
Hub Where They Will Study an Accredited Ocn Ni Level 2
Certificate in Introduction to Working in Adult Social Care in
Northern Ireland.
Upon Successful Completion of the Academy Participants Will Be
Offered an Interview with One of the Supporting Companies.
Welcoming the Opportunities, the Minister Said: This
Academy Is an Excellent Opportunity for Individuals Who Wish to
Reskill, Return to the Workplace or Embark on Their Career
Journey.
This Collaborative Approach at Belfast Met Will Enable
Participants to Gain Valuable Skills Which, on Successful
Completion, Will Give Them a Great Opportunity to Pursue a
Rewarding Career in an Important Sector.”
Damian Duffy, Interim Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast
Metropolitan College Said: Belfast Met Is Excited to Deliver This
New Assured Skills Academy, Which Gives Participants Hands-on
Training, Industry-recognised Qualifications and a Clear Route
into a Meaningful Career in Healthcare.
There Is a High Demand for Healthcare Assistants in Northern
Ireland with Care Providers Actively Recruiting Across the
Region. By Working Closely with Employers, We're Ensuring
Learners Gain the Skills and Confidence They Need to Step into
Roles That Make a Real Difference in Our Communities.”
Participants Will Receive a Weekly Training Allowance of £180 As
Well As Help with Travelling and Childcare Costs.
Applicants Must Be at Least 18 Years Old and Be Eligible to Work
in the Uk at the Time of Application.
Whilst There Is No Minimum Level of Qualifications Required to
Apply, Preference Will Be Given to Applicants with Level 1 or
Higher English and Maths Equivalent to Gcse D-g).
By Applying for a Place on This Academy Applicants Are Committing
to Pursuing a Job Opportunity with One of the Participating
Employers.
Applications Are Open Now and Close at 12 Noon on Friday 9
January 2026.
For More Information and to Apply, Visit Www.Nidirect.Gov.Uk/articles/healthcare-assistant-academy
Notes to Editors:
1. The Supporting Companies Are:
- Praxis – Belfast, Newtownards, Bangor and Lisburn
- M Care Ni – Belfast, Dundonald, Holywood, Newtownards,
Bangor, Donaghadee
- Macklin Care Homes– Belfast, Dunmurry
2. Assured Skills Is a Pre-employment Training Programme Run by
the Department for the Economy. More Information Is Available on
the Department's Website at Www.Economy-ni.Gov.Uk/articles/assured-skills-academies
