Antrim and Newtownabbey Labour Market Partnership (LMP), in partnership with Council and local employers, have launched a Warehousing and Forklift Academy.
Running from 18–22 May 2026 (9.30am–12.30pm daily), the academy will take place at Workforce Training Services, 465–467 Antrim Road, Belfast, BT15 3BJ.
Funded by the Department for Communities (DFC), Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional levels to support people towards and into work.
Participants will gain essential workplace skills and industry-relevant knowledge through accredited training and hands-on learning, helping local residents build the confidence, skills and qualifications needed to progress into a career in warehousing and logistics, with the opportunity to undertake forklift licence training on completion of the programme.
Training includes:
- Manual Handling
- Customer Service Skills
- COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
- Health & Safety in the workplace
- First Aid at Work
- Employability support, including CV development and interview preparation
Across the week, participants will take part in structured daily sessions covering workplace safety, manual handling, hazardous substances, first aid response, and employability skills to support progression into work. The academy concludes with a dedicated employability session focused on CV preparation and interview techniques, including the opportunity to interview with local employers in the warehousing and logistics industry.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said “This Academy is a fantastic opportunity for residents to gain practical skills, industry-recognised training and real support into employment. Through our Labour Market Partnership approach, we are working with local partners to remove barriers to work and create clear pathways into sustainable careers in growing sectors like warehousing and logistics.”
To find out more about this academy and other employment academies, visit:
antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/employment-academies. To apply contact Workforce Training Services E. info@workforceonline.org or T. 028 9024 7016
Local businesses with vacancies or an interest in supporting the academy are encouraged to get involved by E. skills@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
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