The first candidates have completed their training with Fitzers Catering in the new Titanic Belfast visitor centre.

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry and Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile, have congratulated the 28 pre-employment training candidates.

They gained the new jobs under the Department for Employment and Learning’s (DEL) and Belfast City Council’s (BCC) Titanic Quarter Action Plan which is designed to enhance employment, training and skills opportunities in the Titanic Quarter.

Minister Farry said: “Fitzers Catering is to be commended for the opportunity they have given the unemployed. The pre-employment training programmes part funded by my Department has clearly benefited both Fitzers Catering and the local community.

“Fitzers have been extremely supportive of the unemployed and are a shining example of what can be achieved through employers’ willingness to assist local people find work.

“One of my Department’s primary aims is to prepare people for work – helping individuals to acquire jobs, including self-employment, helping employers to fill vacancies, and improving the linkages between employment programmes and skills development.

“An active and vigorous labour market is a key element in growing a dynamic, innovative economy and promoting social inclusion, whilst meeting individuals’ and employers’ aspirations.

“The Steps to Work programme is an important and successful employment programme which to date has helped over 15,000 people find work in Northern Ireland, and helps address the very real difficulties faced by many of those who are out of work by helping to improve their prospects of gaining and sustaining employment.”