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INNOVATIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME SKILLS UP UTILITIES SECTOR

CITB NI in partnership with the Department for the Economy (DfE), NIE Networks and Kier has completed the first Joint Utilities Entry Level Training Programme. This innovative programme provided training for participants from the utilities sector, which is a key part of building the workforce needed for a net zero economy

The programme has been designed to help ensure that subcontractors, who provide asset installation services for utilities, are supported with competent and skilled people.

Participants who completed the 22-week programme gained practical and theoretical training including 80 days on-site and 30 days off-site. They will receive certificates and industry recognised registration cards enabling them to work across the four main utility sectors: electricity, gas, water and telecoms.
The programme, which was fully funded for paid employees of relevant businesses, is suited for new recruits or existing operatives without formal training or certification. Phase 2 of the programme will reopen for new applications in the Autumn.

Barry Neilson OBE, CITB NI Chief Executive said:
“CITB NI are proud to partner with the Department for the Economy (DfE), NIE Networks and Kier to deliver the first Joint Utilities Entry Level programme. This exciting, codesigned and innovative project, is a fully funded programme providing entry level training to the utilities sector. The aim of the programme is to develop a flexible workforce that is competent and confident to deliver asset installation across all utility providers, which will further help the industry build the skills of the workforce necessary to create the infrastructure crucial for advancing a net zero economy. Many congratulations to the first cohort who recently completed the 22-week programme and whose skills and training will be vital to future of the NI construction industry.”
 
 Graeme Wilkinson, Director of Skills at the Department for the Economy said:
“This training programme is an excellent example of collaborative working to deliver the flexible skilled workforce required by our Green Industries as we transition to a net zero economy. It aligns to the Minister’s new economic vision and the critical objectives required to deliver it by supporting an industry that provides good jobs and has sub-regional presence to promote regional balance as well as contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions by providing the requisite skills for an industry that will provide renewable energy sources and energy efficiency programmes. I congratulate those trainees that have completed the programme and wish them well in their future careers in the utility sector.”
Gordon Parkes, Executive Director People and Culture at NIE Networks, who has been a primary driver of this initiative added:
“It is hugely rewarding to see the first 22-week programme coming to a close with participants collecting their well-earned certificates. Each one of them has started a Green Skills journey, through which they can actively contribute to decarbonisation in high-quality, secure employment. The next step will be the second intake in the Autumn. NIE Networks and the other employers will promote those opportunities on their social media channels when it is time for applications. Like many employers, we struggle to find people with Green Skills, an area where 28,000 jobs are expected in the next 10 years. It is also an area where you can start to build an exciting career, even if you do not have the relevant qualifications right now.”

Cormac O’Donnell, Operations Director for Kier Natural Resources, Nuclear & Networks, said:
“We have received great feedback from participants as we close this first iteration of the training programme. It has been designed to show candidates what utilities work involves, build their confidence through hands on learning and prepare them for jobs in the sector. The course has been designed as a fast-track but structured way of getting the training done. This first cohort, along with future ones, will play critical roles in delivering a net zero economy.”
 
For further information about the future Joint Utilities Entry Level Training Programme opportunities follow CITB NI on Facebook, X and Instagram.