THE University of Ulster has unveiled over 150 new graduate level construction industry jobs and placement opportunities.
The announcement follows the recent news from the Construction Skills Network and CITB-Construction Skills that recovery has begun for Northern Ireland’s construction sector with the network predicting that around 1,280 new construction workers will be needed yearly over the next five years.
Of the 150 positions on offer, approximately 90 are full-time graduate level jobs, while the remainder are highly sought after 12-month work placements. The opportunities available cover a broad range of specialisms from surveying, health and safety, and construction management to renewable energy management and civil engineering.
The announcement was made at the ‘built environment’ placement and graduate recruitment event organised by the university, which facilitates students seeking year out placements and full-time graduate employment.
Head of the University of Ulster’s School of the Built Environment, Professor Greg Lloyd, said: “We are all aware of how the construction sector has been affected by the downturn, but the number of opportunities on offer today is extremely positive news.”
More than 30 top construction companies from Northern Ireland and GB, including Lagan Construction, McLaughlin & Harvey, H&J Martin, AECOM and Grahams, were present at the event to meet with students and recent graduates.
Professor Lloyd added: “Placements make our students even more attractive to employers once they graduate as they will have the industry ready skills required to make a real, positive difference in their future careers.” Also, a new training initiative aims to upskill leaders in the food and drink manufacturing sector.
The pilot training programme, ‘Leaders in Industry for the Food and Drink — Manufacturing Sector’, will feature as part of the Department for Employment and Learning’s Management and Leadership Development Programme (MLDP).
Employment Minister Stephen Farry said he believed an increase in skill levels will help firms adapt more quickly and effectively to change, and this in turn will give them more confidence to invest and grow.
Delivered by Queen’s University through its William J Clinton Leadership Institute at Riddell Hall, participants will gain Level 5 accreditation from the Institute of Leadership and Management. As part of the MLDP, eligible participants from Northern Ireland companies with fewer than 250 employees will avail of 100% funding from the department.
There are 25 places available for the course which commences on March 10. If you want to secure a place, contact the William J Clinton Leadership Institute on 028 9097 4394 or email leadershipinstitute@qub.ac.uk.