FutureMakers Academy: Fully funded skills course offers route to employment

Friday 19 December 2025

Whether they are starting out or starting over, those who enrol in the Academy will get hands-on experience of manufacturing, including a work placement within the local industry – and at least one guaranteed job interview with a prospective employer on completion.

The five-week course is open to all those aged 18 and over living in the greater Ballymena area, and no prior experience is needed.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “I’m proud to support such an invaluable scheme which has already seen 23 people gain full-time skilled employment.

“The Ballymena area has a long tradition of manufacturing and it is great to see so many local companies involved in supporting participants through placements and providing hands-on experience.

“I encourage anyone in need of support to make that important first step onto the career ladder, or to return to work after a period of unemployment, to apply.”

The Academy will be delivered by the Northern Regional College at its new Ballymena campus, supported by Council and the MTF Network, and funded by the Gallaher Trust.

Patrick McNeill, a past participant who had been long-term unemployed when first introduced to the Academy, is keen to encourage others to follow in his footsteps.

It helped him secure a role as an operative with Clarke Ballymena, where he has since progressed to become a software engineer.

“I was starting to feel that my confidence levels were down as I had applied to a few places and never heard anything more,” he said.

“Go for it, do not hesitate. The Academy makes everything feel easy, at a pace that’s comfortable and genuinely inclusive, and it connects you with employers who have real job opportunities. Most importantly, it gives you the skills and confidence to step into those jobs.

“It’s a no-brainer, go for it!”

Logan Godfrey, who secured a role with Wrightbus and is still employed there as an assembly operator, is also an advocate of giving the Academy a go.

“My grades weren’t the best at school, so I wanted to get better qualifications and this was perfect for me,” he said.

“I was surprised by what I could learn, all the things that were there to be learned. And it’s really hands-on, it’s the best place to go to learn how to handle the stuff you’re meant to handle.

“Doing this is the best decision I’ve taken.”

Participants in the Academy will gain an introduction to manufacturing, including safety procedures and quality control, use of equipment, an understanding of workplace expectations and teamwork, and support in preparing for job interviews.

They will also benefit from the insight of industry guest speakers and company visits, as well as receiving a college certificate and links to further training.

Pamela Steele, Relationships and Contracts Manager at the Northern Regional College, said: “We work very closely with local manufacturing companies on the MTF Network to ensure that what we deliver meets industry needs.

“There have been numerous success stories from the Academy – I remember one participant who struggled with his confidence and mental health, telling me that he rarely left the house before starting the course. The academy gave him routine, support and new skills. This was a life-changing opportunity for him.

“Northern Regional College is very proud to be involved in delivering the FutureMakers Manufacturing Academy and to have seen more than half the participants move into full-time work and their lives dramatically changed.”

As the Academy is fully funded by the Gallaher Trust, which was established from the legacy of Japan Tobacco International (JTI) when it withdrew from Ballymena in 2017, participants receive financial support in the form of a weekly training allowance alongside a daily food and travel allowance.

Chairman of the Gallaher Trust, Ian Paisley, said: “Manufacturing has always been at the heart of Ballymena and the delivery of this Academy helps to ensure the sector continues to evolve and benefit from a pool of well-qualified people with skills that are of great benefit to potential employers.

“The establishment of the Gallaher Trust was an opportunity to produce something positive from the ashes of JTI and we haven’t looked back since.

“We look forward to seeing another cohort of participants take part in this FutureMakers Manufacturing Academy.”

David Watson, Chair of MTF, an industry-driven collaborative network supporting advanced manufacturing in Mid and East Antrim, added: “The FutureMakers Manufacturing Academy welcomes people from all backgrounds.

“Whether someone has been out of work for a short time or many years, this Academy could be the opportunity that helps them take that important first step with one of our Ballymena-based MTF member companies. 

“Our companies are actively seeking new talent, and we recognise that for many people - particularly since Covid - re‑entering the workforce can feel challenging. Participants will receive full guidance, practical training, and personalised support at every step, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and move towards long‑term employment. 

“Manufacturing is the heartbeat of our local economy and provides stable, satisfying, and future‑focused careers. MTF member companies employ more than 9,000 people across the Borough, and we are committed to ensuring that local people have the chance to be part of this thriving sector. Strengthening our talent pipeline is essential - and programmes like this are how we make it happen.”

The FutureMakers Manufacturing Academy begins on 19 January and runs for five weeks.

Anyone interested in enrolling or finding out more can come along to an Open Day at the Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena on Friday 9 January from 11am to 12pm, to meet representatives from manufacturing companies involved and from the Northern Regional College.

There is also more information online here https://www.nrc.ac.uk/businesses/academies.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 14 January.