As demand for its airport ground support equipment develops as global air travel resumes, a County Tyrone manufacturing company has created 40 new jobs.
Mallaghan said it has seen an increase in orders for airport buses, fire rescue stairs, catering trucks, de-icers, passenger stairs, and maintenance platform lifts from major airlines across the world.
The move will increase the company's personnel by 15%, with positions including welders, fitters, and spray painters, among others.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on aviation but finally, we are seeing the green shoots of recovery with demand for air travel on the up,” Company Director, Niall Mallaghan said. “This increase in demand is reflected by an uplift in orders for Mallaghan products which has opened up opportunities for up to 40 positions at our Dungannon site as we deliver product to major airlines and airports right across the world.“
Aer Lingus, British Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Delta, easyJet, Emirates, Etihad, Menzies Aviation, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, SAS, and Swissport are among the company's clients, which include Aer Lingus, British Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Delta, easyJet, Emirates, Etihad, Menzies Aviation, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, SAS, and Swissport.
In response to customer demand for more efficient and low-carbon technology, the business said it is striving to electrify much of its airport equipment.
“This is a very exciting time for the company as we further develop our i-tec range that will have a direct impact on reducing carbon emissions within aviation,” Mr Mallaghan said. “Innovation has always driven all we do at Mallaghan and we are so proud to be playing such a critical role in reshaping the industry as it strives to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. We are very much looking forward to welcoming talented new members to the team who will be instrumental in the ongoing development and future success of our i-tec portfolio.”
NIE Networks, which owns the local power grid, has announced the creation of 110 new jobs, including craft and technical positions.
Mallaghan, a Dungannon-based producer of airport ground support equipment, has announced that it is hiring 40 workers as demand for air travel rises.
NIE is looking for engineers, analysts, and support personnel in areas such as IT and digital, procurement, HR, and finance, in addition to craft and technical people.
It's part of a goal, according to NIE Networks, to upgrade the power network in order to combat climate change.
In total, it will invest £50 million in the network over the next three years. Adding renewable energy infrastructure to enable customers embrace low-carbon technology and cars like heat pumps and electric automobiles is one example.
As part of its efforts to expand the renewable energy sector's skills base, NIE says it is providing grade opportunities and apprenticeships. In collaboration with the Department of Economy, it will offer traineeships and apprenticeships.
Managing director Paul Stapleton said: “The electricity network sits at the heart of Northern Ireland’s journey towards net zero carbon emissions and is a central component of economic recovery in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Our investment and the skills we bring on board and develop at NIE Networks in the next few years will help Northern Ireland reach those aims and supercharge green growth in the years ahead.
“We’re delighted to be hiring in all areas of the organisation and it is an exciting time to be working at the cutting edge of clean energy technology. NIE Networks are a key enabler for Northern Ireland’s society and economy and we look forward to rolling out further investment plans in the near future.”
The investment will help fulfill the Executive's aim of net zero by growing renewable generation, according to John French, CEO of the Utility Regulator.
Meanwhile, Mallaghan claims that its recruiting drive will result in a 15% increase in its personnel. As the need for air travel grows, so does the number of orders for Mallaghan items from airlines and airports around the world.
Airport buses, fire rescue stairs, catering trucks, de-icers, passenger stairs, and maintenance platform lifts are among the products it manufactures.
Automotive electricians, welders, assembly fitters, hydraulic fitters, plasma operators, tube laser operators, and spray painters are among the positions available at Mallaghan.
Its customers include Aer Lingus, British Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Delta, easyJet, Emirates, Etihad, Menzies Aviation, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, SAS and Swissport.
Primark has announced the elimination of about 400 jobs across its UK outlets.
Northern Ireland outlets are included in the employment cuts, according to a spokeswoman.
Across its 191 UK locations, the business employs roughly 29,000 employees.
Primark made the announcement as part of a plan to simplify its retail operations, which includes proposed changes to management structures in its UK locations.
It is estimated that the proposed changes would see an overall reduction of around 400 jobs across the UK store estate as a result of roles being removed and a new entry-level management role being created.
The suggested changes, according to them, are intended to provide clearer responsibility, greater flexibility, and more managerial assistance on the work floor in order to better meet the business and customer needs of today.
Kari Rodgers, Primark Retail Director for the UK said: “The changes we’re proposing will deliver a simplified and more consistent management structure across all of our stores, provide more opportunities for career progression and offer greater flexibility, all of which are designed to help us provide the best possible experience for both our customers and our colleagues.
"We are now focused on supporting our colleagues who are affected by these proposed changes and will be going through the consultation process.”
Primark will now enter a consultation process with impacted employees and their representatives.
Stena Line has initiated a recruitment effort in the Irish Sea to fill up to 60 vacancies onboard its ships.
This is the first time the ferry firm has run a large-scale recruitment effort.
Onboard service assistants and chefs are needed, and the company will provide comprehensive training as well as free lodging and meals onboard.
The 'Life Less Ordinary' campaign emphasizes the unique work/life balance on offer, with 50% of time spent off.
The current recruitment process for diverse tasks as part of Stena Line's crews at sea is being driven by the need to be prepared for increased consumer levels post-pandemic, according to the company.
Head of Onboard Sales and Services (OSS), Stephen Bryden said: "We are all familiar with the natural job re-evaluation that goes on at this time of the year but as we approach two years of dealing with effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus on career choices and in particular striking the right work/life balance has never been more acute .
“Whilst we appreciate that a life at sea isn’t feasible for everyone, the challenges of the last few years have shone a light on a variety of jobs and careers which have struck a chord with a lot of people.
"As the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, we believe Stena Line can offer a number of unique opportunities to people from a variety of backgrounds and experience to take up a new challenge in a sector of the travel industry which is posed to hopefully get back to and surpass its previous level.
"Currently we are looking for onboard service assistants and chefs which will be supported with full training as well as free accommodation and meals onboard.”
Stena Line is the Irish Sea's largest ferry operator, with the largest fleet, operating routes such as mixed passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, and Rosslare to Fishguard.
It also offers a freight-only route between Belfast and Heysham, as well as up to 238 weekly sailing choices between the United Kingdom and Ireland.
With 12 crossings per week, Stena Line also offers a direct service from Rosslare to Cherbourg.
All roles receive comprehensive training and support. According to the organization, they offer solid long-term professional advancement as well as excellent job benefits. The deadline for applications is February 4, 2022. On Monday, February 14, 2022, there will be interviews and Open Days.
Through a new employment page, a Belfast man is attempting to assist takeaways across Northern Ireland with staff shortages.
The Northern Ireland Takeaway Association was founded by Michael Henderson, 33, of West Belfast, two and a half years ago. He wanted to assist the industry after working in it for ten years and meeting a lot of individuals along the road.
Michael was overwhelmed with businesses suffering from a "revolving door of challenges" during the coronavirus outbreak, including receiving grants, constraints, and personnel shortages.
He has now started a page on social media called Takeaway Jobs NI to fight staffing challenges in the industry. This recruitment portal allows struggling companies to post job openings for free, as well as provide a resource for job seekers.
Michael talked to Belfast Live about how he founded the Northern Ireland Takeaways Association and the difficulties he's heard from people in the industry during the pandemic.
"I've got to know a lot of people in the industry throughout the whole of Northern Ireland and the one thing I kept hearing was they had no support," he said.
"The takeaway industry has been renowned for being the baby brother of the hospitality industry. It brings a lot into the economy every year, but never gets the perks or support it needs.
"It needs to have its own bracket, so we decided to start up the Northern Ireland Takeaway Association, with our aim to provide support and be a safety net for takeaways across Northern Ireland, through all ethnic minorities.
"We support a lot of takeaways around NI and throughout Covid its been a revolving door of issues. During lockdown, we were lobbying on their behalf to get them included into certain grants they weren't included in at the start, then it was also about the 11pm restrictions, we lobbied to get that lifted and worked with Stormont to get the Covid issue across to our takeaways."
The Association communicates with local governments, the Food Standards Agency, and takeaways, as well as working with companies across the UK to reduce takeout utility costs.
When numerous takeaways across Northern Ireland were forced to close their doors on one of their busiest evenings of the year, Michael said the difficulties hit home for him.
He said: "A third of takeaways in Northern Ireland closed on New Year's Eve, which is one of our busiest nights of the year, because they didn't have the staff to do it. So they're missing out on a lot of money due to staff shortages, and over 90% of takeaways now are suffering staff issues, which sees a lot of our takeaways closing.
"There is the fear of the new VAT coming in. We're worried up to a fifth of takeaways in Northern Ireland will close between April and June if the VAT goes back to 20%. It just won't be viable for them on top of everything else."
Michael hopes that by launching the Takeaway Jobs NI page, he will be able to help with staffing concerns before the new VAT rates take effect at the end of March.
They're trying to cover more than simply staffing gaps; he's also committed to ensuring that new hires are adequately trained and certified.
Michael added: "We're trying to work alongside learning centres and places like Belfast Met to get something in place for training. So people will be trained up, we're trying to professionalise the industry.
"We're trying to train them up to get their food hygiene, fire safety, allergens certificates. We're trying to work with the right sort of people to get them the qualifications. That's one thing we're aiming to get."
During the pandemic, many people in Northern Ireland lost their jobs, with young people being the hardest hit. Michael hopes they would look for work in their local takeaways or contact the Association for assistance in finding a job.
"There are over 1,000 takeaways in Northern Ireland currently advertising jobs, and that's the lower end of the scale," he said.
"These are the jobs people may want, the driver shifts, the one or two nights a week. A lot of people lost their jobs during covid, and our sector can facilitate for a few shifts a week.
Cadbury World has posted new job openings, and chocolate fans agree that it would be the "greatest job ever."
Mondelez, the world's largest chocolate company, is searching for "confident and dynamic people with a passion for chocolate" to join its front-of-house and chocolate-making teams.
Cadbury World, based in Bournville, Birmingham, attracts chocolate aficionados from all over the world.
When the two new positions were announced on the brand's Facebook page, many individuals commented on the 'dream' jobs.
"My dream job," one said, while "greatest job ever" was written by another.
The majority of Cadbury enthusiasts were ecstatic at the news, but some were upset by the distance they would have to drive.
"I would love this," one chocolate fan commented, "but it's too far to travel."
The advertised positions are both listed as 'fixed contract' positions, but no salary information is provided.
The two roles are:
Chocolate demonstrator
The job description reads: "We are looking for someone with a passion for chocolate who is committed to delivering fantastic customer service to join our Chocolate Demonstrator team.
"You will be required to provide interactive demonstrations to a crowd, meet and greet out customers of all ages and promote and sell products made in our production area."
Exhibition team member
The job description reads: "As an exhibition team member you will need to be confident and energetic; bringing to life aspects of the Cadbury World exhibition and our 4D chocolate experience.
"You will have a big part to play in making sure our customers all leave with a positive memorable experience."
If you are interested, find further details on how to apply here.
The Oakman Group Chef Academy is paying people to attend a two-week residential course and will provide you with a job upon completion.
The epidemic and the impacts of Brexit have wrecked the hospitality industry, and one of the main issues is a significant lack of staff.
The Oakman Group has decided to address the issue hard on, and its Chef Academy will be held in January, February, and March.
It's a two-week intense residential program held at The Woburn in Bedfordshire. All participants will be paid and provided with a complete food allowance, and at the end of the two weeks, they will be offered a position at one of Oakman's 36 locations across England, with a starting pay of £10 per hour.
“Our aim is not to hire chefs, it’s to create them,” explained Oakman Group CEO Dermot King. “We’re looking for people with a passion for food and a desire to learn, and we can help them by giving them excellent training and coaching from our team of chefs. Too often people think the hospitality sector is just a job and not a career: we think differently and our Chef Academy is one example of how we like to invest in people and training.”
In 2017 and 2020, Oakman earned the Princess Royal Training Award, and many of their cooks and venue managers have worked their way up from lower positions.
The next three Chef Academies will take place from January 24 to February 4, February 21 to March 4, and March 14 to March 25.
Visit https://www.oakmaninnsrecruitment.co.uk/chef-academy/ for more information and to apply.
Belfast City Council has posted a job advertisement for a new chief executive with a salary of nearly £150,000.
Suzanne Wylie, the company's current CEO, will step down later this month to take up a new position in Jersey. Her successor will be paid between £130,859 and £147,217 per year.
The role pays more than the first and deputy first ministers of Stormont, who both get £123,000 a year.
The application period will last three weeks, ending on January 28, with interviews scheduled for mid-March.
The council stated in its employment advertisement:
"This is a rare and career-defining opportunity to serve as a chief executive of a capital city."
The winning candidate, according to the announcement, would serve as an ambassador for the municipality on a national and international level.
The council stated that they will "promote inclusive growth," "maximize the Belfast Region City Deal," "support services through the Covid-19 epidemic," and "deliver for Belfast and its residents."
The council's website has a 16-page application form and a 28-page applicant information pack, which contains a detailed job description.
Since 2014, Ms Wylie has been the chief executive of Belfast City Council, making her the first woman to hold the position.
According to the council's statement of accounts, her pay in 2020-21 was between £140,000 and £145,000.
Ms Wylie announced her departure in September, saying she would take a £250,000-a-year job as chief executive and head of the States of Jersey's Public Service.
Deputy Chief Executive Ronan Cregan will step up and take overall responsibility for the council during the recruitment process.
He will be aided by John Walsh, the city solicitor, who will be in charge of political management concerns.
During the interim, additional directors will be assigned to certain aspects of the work.
Lidl is investing £6 million and generating 100 new jobs in the construction of its first store in south Belfast, where it will compete with Marks & Spencer for customers.
The company has sought for planning approval to open on Boucher Road, where M&S will be its nearest supermarket neighbor, according to the company.
The 1,425-square-meter store will be located between the National Football Stadium and the Olympia Leisure Centre. On the almost 10,000 square meter site, there will also be a drive-through cafe.
The supermarket, according to Lidl, will open as early as this year and will support 200 construction employment in addition to 100 permanent retail positions.
The store, which will be Lidl's tenth in Belfast, will also feature a 148-space car park with charging stations for electric vehicles. As the December 19 deadline for using Spend Local cards loomed, plans for Lidl's 42nd shop in Northern Ireland were disclosed. The latest UK high street footfall numbers from Springboard revealed a 20% week on week increase in activity.
Northern Ireland's footfall rise from Sunday, December 12 to Saturday, December 18 considerably exceeded the rest of the UK, according to retail data firm Springboard.
The north of England and Yorkshire had the second biggest increase in footfall, with an increase of 8.1 percent, out of 12 UK areas.
Lidl plans to expand its retail network in the region to 50 locations.
It will spend £32 million on new or replacement stores in five Belfast locations.
Chris Speers, Lidl Northern Ireland's regional property executive, said:
“Since confirming a £32m investment into the Greater Belfast region with five key sites late last year, we’re pleased to be delivering these projects at pace and with great success.
“We’ve opened two new stores at Holywood Exchange and Crumlin Road and I’m pleased to confirm we’re moving ahead with plans to relocate our existing store at Castlereagh Road to an adjacent site and to redevelop and expand our existing Shore Road store,” he said.
“Our fifth site at Boucher Road is a strategically-important location for us, expanding our reach into the south Belfast area for the first time and bringing a multi-million pound investment and new jobs to the local area.”
"A significant commuter belt and outstanding retail shopping location," he said of Boucher Road and its vicinity.
He also stated that the National Football Stadium would be a big draw for visitors.
"We're glad to have worked closely with councillors, major businesses, and the broader community to bring these proposals forward, and we're grateful for the good support we've received for these plans," Mr Speers continued.
Currently, the German retail brand has 41 outlets and 1,100 employees in Northern Ireland.
It is investing £26 million in the north west of Northern Ireland, with plans for a new store in Strabane and two in Londonderry.
Despite a solid 20 percent week-on-week gain in Northern Ireland, activity is still down 25.9% in 2019 compared to the pre-pandemic era, according to Springboard's latest research on UK footfall.
However, it is up 11% from 2020.
Heron Bros Group is investing £6.5 million in its MDF division, which will result in the creation of 30 jobs over the next two years.
The Co. Tyrone group's firm produces skirting, architrave, kitchen parts, and door frames, and will use the investment to grow its subsidiary 'Promould.'
Promould, a specialist producer with over 20 years of experience, is a global leader in the field, with a vast product line that includes real wood veneer, specialized paper, PVC, and painted profile finishes.
Heron Fit Out, the company's other arm, which will profit as well, was founded in 2017 and specializes in timber fire door production, primarily for the UK and Ireland markets.
The move, according to the firm, is intended to capitalize on expanding market prospects in the construction, renovation, and fit-out industries. The investment will also include new equipment, factory facilities, and machinery, while the 30 new jobs will be spread over both enterprises on Cookstown's Drum Road, and will feature a mix of production, sales, and administrative posts.
Martin Blaney, manufacturing director at Heron Bros, said:
“This latest investment in our two manufacturing businesses in Cookstown represents a significant vote of confidence in the teams and the products they are delivering to meet changing market demands and new opportunities.
"We have experienced significant growth across both businesses in the last couple of years and believe that by delivering important synergies through this investment, we will make both businesses even more innovative and competitive.
"This will now allow us to grow the team and our expertise to help deliver our ambitious growth plans for the manufacturing and supply side of the Heron Bros Group.”
Heron Bros. Ltd. was founded by six brothers in Draperstown in 1956. Construction, joinery manufacture, building suppliers, quarrying, property investment and development are the company's main businesses.
Through its HHT Renewables Division, it has diversified into the renewable energy sector over the years. In its most recent reports, filed in September, the company reported sales of £128 million and pre-tax earnings of £14.5 million.
Sales increased by 20% from £106.9 million to £128.4 million, while pre-tax earnings more than doubled from £5.4 million to £14.5 million. However, the period was significantly longer than prior accounts – 18 months instead of the typical 12.
it said the pandemic had a considerable impact on the economy as a whole, as well as the construction industry, as all but the most important construction sites were temporarily closed.
The sale of items increased from £105 million to £124.8 million, according to the company's sales numbers. Its rental income had increased from £1.9 million to £3.6 million.
According to the corporation, consolidation of existing operational areas, innovation, and the exploration of new markets are all driving its growth. Damien O'Callaghan, the company's new group managing director, was also recently revealed.
Damian Heron, who is now executive chairman of Heron Bros Group, is his predecessor.
