WOMENSTEC

02/06/2026

Interested in a career that challenges expectations and makes a real difference?

We have been offered exclusive places for a Women in Firefighting Come and Try Day with the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service

Women are currently under-represented in operational firefighting roles, making up just 9.54% of firefighters. This event is designed to give women the opportunity to learn more about the role, challenge common misconceptions, and explore firefighting as a potential career.

📅 Saturday 13 June
⏰ Meet at Womenstec at 9.30 am
📍 Travel to Central Fire Station (return to WOMEN'STEC by approximately 1 pm)

✅ Open to women aged 18+
✅ Photographic ID required

To find out more or reserve your place, contact Amanda on 07729 100655.

Thank you to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service for providing this opportunity and for supporting women in exploring careers in firefighting.

02/06/2026

📣 Volunteers' Week 2026 | 1–7 June

As we celebrate Volunteers' Week, we want to take a moment to recognise and thank the amazing people who give their time, skills and energy to support our work.

A special thank you to Mary Catherine, who has been volunteering with us as a receptionist for the past two months. Mary has been a welcoming face for everyone coming through our doors, providing invaluable support to staff, participants and visitors alike.

Volunteers play a vital role in helping organisations like WOMEN'STEC create opportunities and support women across our community.

Thank you, Mary Catherine, for everything you do. 💜

28/05/2026

Learn to protect yourself with confidence!
WOMEN'STEC's Self Defence Course is back, 4 sessions covering distance control, blocks & strikes, breakaway techniques, and your legal rights. 💪

📅 Wednesdays 10am–12pm | 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th June
📍 29 Chichester Avenue, Belfast BT15 5EH

We encourage you to share this with anyone who may benefit. 💙

28/05/2026

27/05/2026

AI doesn’t have to feel intimidating. 💡

Our AI for Real Life programme is designed to help women build confidence with practical digital skills that can support everyday life, work and future opportunities.

Across this 6-week course, participants will explore simple, useful digital and AI skills, including:
• Writing emails & understanding letters
• CVs & job applications
• Interview preparation
• Confidence building
• Identifying skills & income ideas
• Using AI tools to save time and stay organised

No tech background needed. Just practical tools you can actually use.

Please note: this programme is open to economically inactive women who have not previously completed this course.

Spaces are limited.
Get in touch to find out more and book your place.

26/05/2026

Thinking about a new career? Recently retired and wondering what's next? WOMEN'STEC has an exciting opportunity for you! 🚗 ✨

If you're a woman currently not in paid employment, or under-employed, and looking for a flexible, rewarding career, this could be your perfect next step!

We're delivering a Driving Instructor Training Programme in partnership with Belfast City Council and Workforce Training. It's designed to support women living in the Belfast City Council area to gain a recognised qualification and start a new career path.

You don't need previous teaching experience, just confidence, patience, and a genuine passion for helping others learn.

✔️ Must have held a full driving licence for at least four years
✔️ No need to own a car to take part
✔️ Supportive, women-focused learning environment
✔️ A pathway into flexible self-employment

Ready to get started? Sign up using the link below, or contact us by email or phone for more information.
https://ow.ly/8a7C50Y4pf9

19/05/2026

Happy !

We’re delighted to welcome H&A Group as our newest !

H&A Group provides mechanical, electrical, renewable energy, and building maintenance services across Ireland, with a strong commitment to developing skilled people and supporting industry growth.

Their support for reflects a shared commitment to encouraging more women and girls to explore opportunities in construction and related sectors, while continuing to challenge outdated stereotypes around these careers.

We’re proud to have H&A Group supporting our work and look forward to working together to help build a more inclusive future for the industry.

Thank you to H&A Group for their support!

15/05/2026

Hearing directly from participants is one of the best ways to understand the impact of WOMEN’STEC programmes.

Whether it’s gaining confidence using tools, learning practical DIY skills, or simply getting the chance to try something new alongside other women, these experiences matter.

Here are just a few reflections from women who have taken part in our courses.

14/05/2026

As part of our Pathways+ programme, funded by the Department for the Economy NI, we recently organised a role model talk session at Blackwater Integrated College in Downpatrick.

Pathways+ aims to open up opportunities for girls and women in industries where they are traditionally underrepresented, including construction, engineering and mechanics. Through role model sessions, mentoring, workshops and industry engagement, the programme helps participants build confidence, develop skills and explore sustainable career pathways.

Students heard directly from women working across the industry, including our own WOMEN’STEC Tutor Joanne, who works as both a Mechanic and Joiner, Sophie from McAdam Design, and our Champions, Alison from Gleeds and Jordyn, Katelyn & Shauneen from Equans UK & Ireland.

A huge thank you to all of our speakers for sharing their experiences and helping inspire the next generation.

13/05/2026

Just 2 days to go until our AI for Real Life programme begins.

If AI has ever felt confusing or overwhelming, this course led by Tina Calder at Entrepreneurs Unleashed is designed to help break it down in a practical, supportive and jargon-free way.

From everyday tasks to employability, confidence and income ideas, participants will explore how AI can be used in real life. No tech background needed.

📅 Starting this Friday
⏰ 10am–1pm

Places are limited, so now is the time to get in touch and apply. Participants must be economically inactive and not have previously attended a Building Futures class.