F.I.T brings employment focused learning to Portview
Our on-site education partner FIT delivered employment academy training at Portview, connecting local learning with technology and financial services opportunities through Belfast City Council programmes.
Portview’s education suite has provided a setting for employment-focused learning delivered by our on-site tenant and education partner, FIT. Its academy delivery connects learning at the Mill with opportunities in technology and financial services, involving Belfast City Council and employers including Allstate Northern Ireland and Citi.
Technology pathways with Allstate and Citi
Belfast City Council’s first Tech Employment Academy ran in 2022, supported by Allstate and Citi, with pathways in software development and product management. The Council reported that 12 of the 17 participants had progressed into employment by December 2022. This is the Council’s reported result for that academy cohort.
FIT also hosted an industry week for the Council’s product management and cybersecurity trainees at its Belfast training centre. Employers including Allstate and Citi took part, giving learners opportunities to meet industry representatives and explore technology careers.
A pathway into financial services
Launched in April 2023 by Belfast City Council and Citi Belfast, the Business Services Employment Academy was designed for people who were unemployed or working fewer hours than they wanted. The programme offered a route towards entry-level roles in Citi’s Markets Operations Team.
The academy combined financial services knowledge with employability preparation and workplace learning. Its published offer included an interview for participants completing the programme, giving learners an opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for a role.
Delivered by FIT at Portview
FIT delivered the academy’s training at Portview, using our education suite as a base for classroom learning. As an on-site tenant and education partner, FIT brings training expertise into the Mill and helps connect learners with the skills employers need.
Recognising the partnership
The academy brought together complementary roles: Belfast City Council and Citi developed the opportunity, FIT delivered training, and Portview hosted classroom learning. Funding was provided through Belfast City Council’s Labour Market Partnership, supported by the Department for Communities.
The technology academy also involved the Learning and Work Institute. These programmes show how commissioning, specialist training, employer involvement and a local learning venue contribute to employment pathways.
Learning with a purpose
Employment academies connect learning with the requirements of particular roles. At Portview, FIT’s work demonstrates how a specialist education partner and a local learning space can contribute to those pathways.
For information about FIT’s current programmes, visit https://fit.ie/ (opens in a new tab)
