Jobless trained for retail chance

The Victoria Square development could create up to 3,000 jobs

A new training scheme aimed at helping jobless people to possibly benefit from Belfast's biggest regeneration project is being launched.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie says it is expected the opening of Victoria Square will create 3,000 jobs in the retail and leisure sectors.

It is hoped a pilot retail training programme will help unemployed people prepare for these job opportunities.

Fifteen people will be enrolled on the seven-week course.

They will be trained in skills such as cash handling, communication and interpersonal skills and job-search skills.

On successful completion of the course, trainees will obtain a recognised qualification in customer care, health and safety and selling skills.

An evaluation of the pilot will then be carried out to determine if further courses should be considered.

"The pilot retail training programme contributes to tackling disadvantage in Belfast by giving unemployed people essential skills training to apply for the significant number of jobs arising from the regeneration of Belfast city centre," the minister said.

"This is a practical way of giving unemployed people a better chance of gaining jobs in Victoria Square."