Put yourself in the driving seat with the Mid Ulster LMP Transport Employment Academy

The Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership (LMP) is giving Mid Ulster residents another chance to put themselves in the driving seat and take part in the popular Transport Employment Academy when it reopens for applications today, Wednesday, October 1.

Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

Now in its third year, the Academy will provide free training for 12 eligible residents who are seeking to become fully qualified HGV lorry and Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) drivers. To date 101 places have been filled through the Academy and over 80 participants have already gained employment following completion of the course.

Created to help address the shortage of drivers faced by haulage and transport firms within Mid Ulster, the academy is aimed at residents of the district who are long term unemployed or underemployed, providing a career pathway in haulage and transport which may have been previously out of their reach.

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton, welcomed the return of the Academy, saying: “Many local people still need support to gain the skills and licences required for a career in haulage and transport. Mid Ulster LMP is stepping up to meet this challenge, with plans to have more residents trained and ‘road ready’ by 2026, which will not only help local businesses fill vacancies, but also help build a stronger workforce.”

Successful applicants will benefit by receiving training, testing and mentoring support to pursue a career pathway in the logistics field. Those who complete the programme offered through the academy will be supported financially to obtain Category C (Class 2) or Category D (PCV) licence, invaluable in gaining employment as a HGV or Transport Driver and are guaranteed an interview with a local employer. 

The programme will be delivered by People 1st, a local training and employment company, in partnership with the Henderson Group, who will be providing the practical training.

Brenda Kernaghan, Director at People 1st said: " We are thrilled to be part of the 2025–26 HGV Transport Academy in partnership with the Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership. Building on the success of previous Transport and Employment Academies, our focus remains on delivering high-quality training and support for local people. By helping participants achieve their HGV and PCV licences, we’re equipping them with the skills to move into long-term, sustainable employment opportunities right here in the Mid Ulster area.”

Ciaran who took part in last year’s academy said: “I heard about the Academy on Mid Ulster District Council’s Facebook. The application was straightforward and quick. When going to Cookstown I was asked for paperwork and was given information on the Academy. The benefit was getting my licence fully funded, if this wasn’t the case I would not have been able to do it otherwise. I would definitely recommend this programme.”

To qualify, applicants will need to have a full UK driving licence for a minimum of five years with no more than 3 penalty points and show proof that they live in the Mid Ulster District Council area. Criteria will be applied to shortlist applicants based on employment status. Applications open on Wednesday, 1 October and can be completed via an online application form at Mid Ulster Council.

Applications close on Friday, October 10.

Practical and driving theory training will be taking place between November 2025 and March 2026, and candidates will also be offered help to update their CVs and prepare for job interviews with local companies as soon as they achieve licences.

For further information contact Michael at People 1st on Academy@people-1st.co.uk or call 028 9030 3981.

Local employers can review the priorities of the Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership Action Plan on the Council’s website or request a copy of the in full by emailing LMP@midulstercouncil.org.