Employment, Skills & Training

Welcome to the Skills & Training Support Portal

Our Skills Team, led by Theresa Chada (Employability & Skills Manager) and supported by Eileen McGrinder (Skills Officer), works to reduce economic inactivity and improve employment outcomes across the Derry & Strabane area. Partnering with businesses, training providers, and community groups to deliver tailored initiatives that empower residents with the skills they need to succeed.

👩‍💼 Theresa Chada, Employability & Skills Manager

Theresa leads the Council’s employability and skills agenda as part of the Business & Culture Team, driving initiatives that support inclusive economic growth and workforce development. With a background in operations and customer success across both public and private sectors, she specialises in building multi-agency partnerships to improve employment outcomes. Theresa is passionate about creating clear pathways into employment particularly for young people and works closely with employers to ensure they play an active role in shaping the region’s talent pipeline.

📧 [email protected]
💬 MS Teams: [email protected]
☎️ 028 71 253253 ext 6665
📍 Strand Road Offices, DCSDC

👩‍🏫 Eileen McGrinder, Skills Officer

Eileen brings over 30 years of experience in training, learning and development. She plays a key role in designing and delivering targeted employability initiatives across the Council area.  Her work includes promoting apprenticeship pathways, coordinating careers and focused event fairs, delivering in-school coaching to promote education routes and training opportunities. Eileen is particularly committed to youth development and lifelong learning as she works closely with education and industry to ensure that everyone has access to  clear, supported career choices.

📧 [email protected]
💬 MS Teams: [email protected]
☎️ 028 71253 253 ext 6677
📍 Strand Road Offices, DCSDC
 

Employment, Skills & Training Programmes



 

Key Stakeholders & Partnerships

Our Partners in Employability & Skills

• North West Regional College (NWRC)
• Ulster University – Derry~Londonderry Campus
• GEMX (MakeME Academy)
• People 1st, Springboard NI, NOW Group, Bytes Project

• FinTrU, Seagate, Allstate, DuPont, Learning Pool, Firstsource, AXA, Concentrix
• Local SMEs engaged through City Deal and LMP networks

• Department for Communities (DfC NI)
• Department for the Economy (DfE NI)
• Invest NI
• Job Centres NI / Careers Service NI

• Success North West, Action for Children, Triax, Enterprise NW
• Local schools involved in careers programmes and academies

• GEMX – MakeME Academy: Since 2022, over 500 pupils have engaged in the engineering & manufacturing academy, earning industry-relevant certifications and progressing to apprenticeships or further study.
• Success North West: Operates eight community hubs, providing localised employability support, mentoring, and interview guarantees through Shared Prosperity Fund backing.

Stats & Local Impact 

📊 Key Skills & Employability Stats – Derry City & Strabane (2024/25)

1. 30.4% Economic Inactivity Rate
   One of the highest in Northern Ireland, highlighting the ongoing need for targeted skills interventions.
   (Source: NISRA Labour Force Survey, 2024)
2. ~3,000 Young People NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)
   Youth aged 16–24 not in education or work across the council area.
   (Source: Labour Market Partnership reports, 2023–24)
3. 6,300+ New Jobs Projected by 2033
   High-growth sectors include Health & Social Care, Tech/Digital, Green Energy, and Tourism.
   (Source: City Deal economic modelling and Skills Barometer NI)
4. 85%+ Positive Progression Rate from Council-Supported Academies
   Majority of participants move into employment, training, or further education.
   (Source: DCSDC Labour Market Partnership outcomes, 2022–24)
5. Apprenticeship Uptake +30% Since 2022
   Largely due to expanded employer engagement, outreach events, and school-based advice programmes.
   (Source: DfE NI & DCSDC event data)