Construction and Scaffolding Academy opens for applications in Mid and East Antrim
Thursday 7 May 2026
The Construction & Scaffolding Academy is now open for applications, offering Mid and East Antrim residents the opportunity to gain skills, accreditation and access employment within the sector.
Like scaffolding components that work together to provide a safe platform, the stakeholders involved aim to help participants achieve their full potential. The project is funded by Department of Communities via the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and will be delivered by Workforce Training with support from the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITBNI) and local employers including 7 Towers Scaffolding.
Training will be delivered between Monday 22 June to Wednesday 1 July and will include Health, Safety & Environment; First Aid at Work, Manual Handling and COSHH. There will also be a dedicated day at CITBNI, where participants can achieve their Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (COTS) accreditation and obtain a Construction Skills Register (CSR) card.
Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford welcoming the academy said: “Across our Borough there are construction projects of various sizes taking place and it is fantastic that we can support residents start a career in this sector. Not everyone wants to work indoors, and this academy allows residents the opportunity to work safely outdoors and at height if scaffolding is of interest. I would encourage anyone looking a career in construction to sign-up for this academy.”
In addition to technical training, the academy will provide employability support including interview preparation and skills development. Participants will also have a chance to attend a job interview, enabling successful candidates to compete for roles within the construction industry.
Amanda Crossen, Project Manager at CITBNI added: “CITB NI recognise the importance of collaboration to encourage new workers into the construction industry. Careers and training interventions like the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership gives local construction employers a valuable opportunity to meet engaged individuals ready to start a career, and they’re coming with entry-level training including the CISRS Operative Training Scheme course (COTS) funded by CITB NI.”
Steven Douglas, Managing Director 7 Towers Scaffolding: “We are grateful to Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership for the opportunity to be involved in this scaffolding academy from an employer's perspective. Initiatives like this are vital for developing practical skills and creating pathways into the industry. We are proud to support the programme and look forward to seeing it bring a new generation of skilled scaffolders into our local area.”
To apply you must be over 18 years of age, reside in Mid and East Antrim and currently be unemployed, economically inactive or working less than 21 hours per week. If you meet these criteria and are keen to work in construction, please email Workforce Training Services at info@workforceonline.org . Include your contact details, address, postcode and include ‘Construction & Scaffolding Academy’ in the subject line.
For more information, please email lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or phone 028 2563 3363.