Minister congratulates Skills Academy graduates

Date published: 12 June 2026

The Civil Engineering Academy is a collaboration between the Department and Belfast Met where students have been given an introduction to Civil Engineering, learnt and developed skills and knowledge across surveying, contract management, construction, traffic management, health and safety, personal development, teamwork and collaboration, communication and IT essentials.  This is the second Skills Academy taken forward by the Department. 

The Academy supports participants with the opportunity to gain industry recognised accredited qualifications.  Fifteen students have graduated and have the opportunity to interview for permanent employment with the Department and further their skills and experience in civil engineering.

Minister Kimmins said: 

“It was a real pleasure to meet this latest cohort of Skills Academy students, who are at an exciting point in their lives embarking into employment following a successful period of study.  

“Civil engineering sits at the heart of everything we do as a Department.  From the roads we all use every day, to the water we rely on for life, to the flood defences that protect our communities.  Your profession quite literally shapes the world we live in and that makes this role incredibly important in the delivery of services the Department is responsible for.  

 “This combination of study and the opportunity to gain employment is a good way to progress in civil engineering and to contribute to our communities infrastructure needs of the future.  Congratulations on your graduation and I wish you all the very best with your career.”  

Damian Duffy, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met, said: 

“We are delighted to have continued our strong partnership with the Department for Infrastructure through this year’s Skills Academy. Building on the success of last year’s programme, the Academy has once again provided participants with practical, employer-led training to support progression into employment within this important sector.

“The partnership between Belfast Met and DfI has been central to the Academy’s success, ensuring the programme is aligned to the Department’s needs and the skills required in the workplace. It has been excellent to see participants develop their knowledge, confidence and understanding throughout.

“At Belfast Met, we are committed to working with employers and government departments to create clear pathways into employment. This Academy is another strong example of how targeted skills programmes can support learners, employers and the future workforce.”