Recruitment will commence shortly for the next round of the popular HARTE initiative that provides employment opportunities in the hospitality and retail sector for unemployed people in Belfast and Lisburn.

The Hospitality and Retail Training for Employment (HARTE) programme is jointly funded by Belfast City Council, Lisburn City Council and the European Social Fund programme, and is supported by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL).

It was launched in Belfast in January 2009 and the previous round of the programme enabled 90 people to gain employment in a wide range of hospitality and retail positions. More than 190 participants on the programme have also gained recognised qualifications and completed personal development courses.

The programme is open to unemployed people in both Belfast and Lisburn City Council areas.

Alderman Christopher Stalford, chairman of Belfast City Council’s development committee, said: “The HARTE programme is an excellent initiative for offering professional support and skills training to those seeking employment in the hospitality and retail sectors. I am delighted that previous graduates have secured employment despite the difficult competition for jobs in the current economic climate and I wish future participants every success on the programme.”

Alderman Jim Dillon, chairman of Lisburn City Council’s economic development committee, said: ‘The council welcomes the support which this initiative will be offering throughout Lisburn, in particular to the long-term unemployed and most disadvantaged in our local communities. There are many opportunities in the hospitality and retail sectors locally, and this programme will ensure residents are equipped with the skills and knowledge to access these.”

To find out more, contact Belfast City Council’s economic development unit on 028 9027 0736 or visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/businessprogrammes.