Northern Ireland’s Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is to launch a new free training programme that will train 15 new or existing construction site operatives.

The new scheme aims to help develop a skilled pool of labour, assist employers to fill skills gaps and shortages, and to make staff recruitment recruiting an easier and simpler process.

In a statement following the announcement, CITB NI said the programme would provide training in 25 skill areas over three modules essential for the competent site operative.

“Employers who agree to participate in the programme will receive free publicity and acknowledgement. Commitment to supporting the programme is easy; all that is required is for you to agree to interview the programme participants at the completion of the training with a view to potential employment,” the organisation noted.