Report of the Trustees for the Year Ending 31 March 2024
(Incorporating the Chairperson's Report)
Chairperson's Report
It gives me great pleasure to introduce Workforce Training Services Limited's Annual
Report for 2023-24.
This year, the charity has continued to make strong progress delivering its core
contracts which include the Department for the Economy's Skills for Life & Work and
ApprenticeshipsNI Programmes, the Education Authority's School Partnership
Programme, local council led Employment Academies as part of the Labour Market
Partnership initiative and the Step Up Programme in partnership with Belfast
Metropolitan College.
In a dynamic and ever-changing world, where job requirements are continuously
evolving, the significance of committed training and enhancement of skills is
undeniable. At Workforce, our enduring goal has always been to equip our students
with the vital skills and insights needed to excel in their professional lives and to
make significant contributions to their local communities. The achievements of all
individuals participating in our programmes bear witness to the incredible impact of
education and training, coupled with the determination, dedication, and tenacity of
our trainees, apprentices and all our course participants.
In spite of the challenging economic climate, the company has delivered strong
financial results over the last 12 months which has allowed us to refurbish, renew and
update our facilities where necessary. It is vital that we continue to provide the most
up to date training and learning facilities for our course participants to enable them to
achieve their best possible outcomes. Also, we are committed to investing in the
development of our people and the continuous improvement of the delivery of our
programmes and seNices. As a company, we are very proud to have achieved
recognised quality markslstandards including the Investors in People Gold
accreditation and IS09001 .2015. Moreover, winning the Aisling Education Award was
one of the great highlights of 2023-24.
The past year has been a very difficult time for the whole Workforce community with
the passing of our dear friend and colleague Angle McFall. There is no doubt that
this tragic event has deeply impacted the entire Workforce family, shaking us to our
very core. As a result, it was appropriate and in tribute to Angle, that we initiated the
McFall Cup, to be awarded to the trainee who showcased exceptional dedication
throughout their training at our 2024 Celebration of suc￿Ss occasion.
Despite the hurdles that each year inevitably brings, our dedicated management
team and staff consistently strive to enhance the lives of our course participants.
Their tireless efforts aim not only to boost employment prospects and skills, but to
fundamentally improve life chances and facilitate positive outcomes. For their
unyielding dedication, l extend my deepest appieciation and heartfelt thanks.

l also wish to express my gratitude for the unwavering commitment, dedication, and
support of my fellow board members. Their generous contribution of time, combined
with their specialised knowledge and experience, has been instrumental in the
smooth operation of the charity. In an ever-evolving landscape, the importance of
competent leadership and robust governance is critical for any charitable
organisation and guarantees that Workforce remains dedicated to serving our
beneficiaries.
In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to all our delivery partners,
funders and other stakeholders for their continuous assistance and support over the
past year.
Chairperson's signature
Mr Joseph McAuley
Date
11

Skills for Life and Work
Workforce's Skills for Life and Work programme, funded by the Department for the
Economy, has made a significant impact in enhancing the employability prospects of
young individuals, especially those aged between 16-17, or those with a disability or
from an in-care background. This programme offers a comprehensive curriculum
encompassing personal development, employability training, and vocational skills, in
addition to essential literacy, numeracy, and ICT qualifications.
Workforce, one of the largest work based learning providers in N.Ireland, has an
impressive track record of engaging with substantial numbers of young people on its
Skills For Life and Work programme, Last year alone, the programme saw an 80/0
increase in participants, recruiting 182 young people from a wide variety of post
primary schools throughout Belfast. The programme's success lies in its ability to
secure apprenticeships or further training for its participants, thereby setting them on
a path towards promising futures.
Some of the key achievements and outcomes from the programme over the last 12
months include:
92 young people gained employment and progressed on to the
ApprenticeshipNI prograrnme;
243 participants achieved a vocational qualification this year;
402 Essential Skills qualifications in literacy, numeracy and ICT were
achieved.
331 personal development and employability qualifications were achieved;
and
1335 hours of one-to-one mentoring support sessions were delivered to
participants on this programme.
ApprenticeshipsNI
The ApprenticeshipsNI programme's goal is to offer participants the chance to
engage in a Level 21Level 3 Apprenticeship, where from the first day, the apprentice
is in paid employment and works towards securing an industry-approved Level 213
Apprenticeship Framework.
At Workforce, our ability to effectively interact with employers is key to our success in
identifying excellent job opportunities for our participants. We maintain close
relations with employers to ensure that our services meet the needs of the employer,
the business, and the apprentice. Over the last year, Workforce has successfully
partnered with 254 employers, arranging work placements and job opportunities for
our young people.
In the 2023-24 period, there were 160 apprentices engaged on the ApprenticeshipNI
programme. In the past few years, we have made great efforts to boost the
availability of apprenticeships and support all of our young people, a significant

number of whom come from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, to access the
ApprenticeshipNI pathway.
In June 2023, the Education and Training Inspectorate carried out a very successful
Protype inspection of Workforce's Skills for Life and Work and ApprenticeshipNI
training provision. In its report, the Inspectorate commended Workforce's
professional and technical and essential skills training provision noting their impact
on young people's self-esteem and the quality of their learning experiences.
Moreover, the inspection team were particularly impressed by the comprehensive
care and support provided alongside the training, which addresses any additional
needs and learning barriers that trainees and apprentices may face.
As a board, we are very proud that the Education and Training Inspectorate
continues to view Workforce as a very effective training organisation with high
expectations and aspirations for our trainees and apprentices. We set high standards
and achieve excellent outcomes, which are delivered within a caring and supportive
environment, ensuring the trainees and apprentices feel nurtured and safe, and are
able to engage, learn, achieve and progress on the next stage of their journey. It is
very important to us that our staff enjoy coming to work and take pride in making a
real difference to the lives of the young people in our community
EmploymentAcademies
The Labour Market Partnership (LMP) is a province-wide approach developed by the
Department of Communities and aims to address issues with jobs and training by
combining resources and delivering a collaborative and flexible approach to
employability support in each council area. The LMP focuses on improving labour
market conditions and addressing issues with employers, training providers, as well
as community and voluntary organisations.
Through this initiative, Workforce has developed a strong strategic ￿latiOnShIp with
five local councils including Belfast City Council, Mid & East Antrim Borough Council,
Newry, MoLJrne and Down District Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, and
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council. The organisation delivers a range of skills
and employability programmes which include the Customer Service Sector
(Hospitality, Leisure & Retail) Academy and the Practical Sector (Transport,
Construction, Green Economy & Manufacturing) Academy.
This year we have worked with 609 participants, mainly adults (a 34 % increase on the
previous year), on the Councils, Employment Academies which breaks down as
follows:
Transport Academy
HGV
No. of particlpants
265
Bus
73
Construction
74
General Operative Construction
14

Leisure
19
Hospitality
Community
24
12
Warehousing
SIA Licence
43
49
Manufacturing
Retail
10
26
Total
609
INhile we are approaching the final year of these contracts, we fully intend to retender
for these and additional contracts should LMP funding be extended for a further period.
STEP UP
The STEP-UP programme, a partnership between the Department for the Economy
and Further Education Colleges, offers additional tailored, individua5ised and mentor
led support to priority groups of individuals who are often under-represented within
skills and education opportunities. These include people with disabilities, care
leavers, the unemployed, economically inactive, and areas with significant gender
disparity. Workforce is contracted as one of six 'partners of choice, by Belfast
Metropolitan College to deliver the programme in Belfast.
In year 1 of the programme, we enrolled 58 participants, 20 of which were women
returners and 38 participants who were over the age of 24 and either unemployed or
economically inactive, In addition to 1-to-1 mentoring and effective employability
support, the programme offers participants a range of accredited, industry-specific
courses aimed at enhancing their skills and expanding their career prospects.
Among the courses on offer were customer service, food hygiene, CSR, COSHH,
manual handling and forklift training, along with emergency first aid and mental
health first aid. This broad spectrum of training opportunities provides participants
with a comprehensive skillset, opening up a wider range of employment possibilities.
The programme is proving to be very successful with a 90 % retention rate across all
cohorts in year 1.
School Partnership Programme
Workforce's School Partnership Programme, a core part of its education provision,
collaborates annually with four different educational institutions, reaching 150 pupils.
The main objective of this initiative is to equip Year 11 and Year 12 pupils with
vocational skills through the attainment of CEA'S Occupational Studies qualification,
equivalent to a GCSE. This proven pathway has seen many pupils successfully
transition into relevant training programmes at Workforce upon finishing their
schooling, reaffirming the effectiveness of the School Partnership Programme.

Other Youth-Lod Programmes
Despite facing significant reductions in funding for youth-led initiatives from Belfast
City Council, Workforce has continued its provision of two key youth programmes.
Workforce, in collaboration with Work West, has successfully delivered the youth
component of the Social Enterprise programme for a third consecutive year, This
initiative engaged 48 young people, ages 14 to 16, in the creation and management
of small business projects. This hands-on experien￿ aims to foster their
entrepreneurial talents, offering a foundation to cultivate these skills as they
transition into further education, training or employment.
Furthermore, Workforce suc￿sSfUllY completed the fi'nal year of the 'Bridges to
Progression, programme, an initiative designed to support young people on the Skills
for Life and Work programme into employment. The programme's cornerstone was
the comprehensive mentoring support tailored to the unique needs of each
participant. This direct support addressed specific challenges and barriers, equipping
participants with the confidence and skills ne￿sSary to secure an apprenticeship.
Workforce continues to be dedicated to equipping our learners with the necessary
resources and support they need to succeed, even in the face of substantial
obstacles to their learning and development.
Community
Workforce is committed to fostering and enhancing partnerships within the local
community. As part of our ongoing efforts, this year has s￿n our joinery trainees
build planters and outdoor furniture that have been donated to various local
community organisations. Additionally, our dedicated young people have actively
engaged in community service by participating in neighbourhood litter picks and
resourceful cooking on a budget projects. Our construction trainees and apprentices
have also shown compassion and craftsmanship by repairing the home of a local
resident tragically affected by fire. Moreover, our trainees have constructed practical
sheds for the Windsor Women's Centre, demonstrating their growing expertise,
Beyond these hands-on projects, they have also demonstrated a commitment to
social responsibility by organising and contributing to fundraising efforts for
Foodstock, a vital local community foodbank. These activities represent a snapshot
of the meaningful contributions our trainees and apprentices have made over the
past year.
Quality Awards
Workforce has once again secured Gold accreditation for the Investors In People
Award, surpassing our previous performance in 2020. Our efforts have seen us
progress from one indicator at a high performance and eight at an advanced level to
four indicators at high performance and five at an advanced level. This achievement
places us in the top 17 % of IIP accredited organisations. While we celebrate this
accomplishment, as it affirms our continuous efforts to improve, enhance and
innovate in our people practices, we remain focused on our goal to achieve the
platinum level.

Following April's accreditation audit, our management system has yet again upheld
its exemplary performance in accordance with the ISO:9001:2015 standard. This
confirms our consistent delivery of intended outcomes and allows us to maintain our
ISO'.9001.'2015 accreditation for another year.
Workforce Training Services was honoured to be awarded Belfast Media Group's
prestigious Aisling Award for Excellence in Education 2023. This recognition is a
testament to the relentless dedication, hard work, and passion of the entire
Workforce team which strives to empower its trainees, apprentices and course
participants by equipping them with the necessary skills and training for their futures.
Furthermore, the award is testimony to the power of education and lifelong learning
and the transformative impact they can have on individual lives and the community
as a whole. It's an acknowledgment of the importance of providing people with the
tools, guidance, and support they need to unlock their potential.
Plans for the future
Workforce is focused on ensuring its financial security and sustainability in the future.
Currently, the Department for the Economy's Skills For Life & Work and
ApprenticeshipsNI contracts are coming to an end within the next year. It is a
strategic and ciitical priority for our organisation to actively pursue and secure the
renewal of these contracts. These programmes are vital to our mission and service
offerings. Successfully negotiating new contracts will enable us to continue providing
these essential services, thereby maintaining our commitment to fostering skills
development and apprenticeship opportunities in our community.
Our current collaboration with Belfast Metropolitan College in the delivery of the
STEP UP programme has proved to be very successful this year. We aim to build on
this partnership and explore the possibility of establishing effective working
relationships with other like-minded local learning providers to create opportunities to
bid on a host of education and training tenders. Collaborative efforts of this kind offer
a wider pool of knowledge and skillsets, subsequently enhancing the likelihood of
Workforce successfully obtaining larger contracts, particularly those that necessitate
a comprehensive range of specialist expertise. This diversity of training opportunities
would provide us with an avenue for the establishment of partnerships across a
wider range of industries that will broaden education pathways and employment
opportunities.
Going forward, Workforce is committed to seeking additional funding, particularly for
health, a growing focus for the organisation. This funding would enrich and benefit
our core contracts like Skills for Life and Work and ApprenticeshipsNI. These
programmes are crucial to our operations and extra funding would greatly improve
their effectiveness. This strategy of securing additional funding is key for our
organisation's success and growth. It is not just about maintaining our current status,
but about progressing and achieving more. We believe that with this strategy, we can
continue to flourish and make an even bigger impact on our young people.
Finally, Workforce is in the process of developing a comprehensive strategic plan
that will serve as a blueprint for all our activities, initiatives and decisions over the
next three years. The aim is to align all our operations with the core mission and

values of our organisation and to enhance our capacity to serve the community
needs more effectively. We believe that by fostering partnerships with different
stakeholders such as industry associations, employers of all sizes, government
departments, local councils, and various community groups, we can ensure our
continued relevance and effectiveness. This collaborative approach is not just about
immediate success, but also about building a strong and sustainable future.
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 29th November
2024 and signed on its behalf by
Paul Boyle (Secretary)

WORKFORCE TRAINING SERVICES LIMITED
FINANCIAL STATEMEI NTS
FOR THE YEIAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITI[( S
The diitctoi's aiE responsible for pirparing tlie Diirctors, Repoit and the financial stateinents in
accordance with applicable law and I'egLilations.
Company Law requires the dii'ectors to prepai'¢ financial statements for each financial yeai..
The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of coinpany law, present tlieir report and the
financial stateinents of the chai'ity for tlie year ended 31 st March 2024. The Triistees confirm that they
comply with tlie requii'ements of the Chai'ities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and Accounting and Reporting
by Charities: Statement of Recoinmended Practice which applies to charities preparing theii. accounts in
accoi'dance with the Finaiicial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ii'eland
(FRS 102) (effective l Janiiai'y 2015).
Uiider company law the dii'ectoi's miist not approve the financial statements unless tlicy are satisfied
that they give a trLie and fail. view of the state of affairs of tlie company and of the surpliis or deficit of
the company for thal period. In pirpai'ing those financial statements, the directors are required to:
select siiitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
malce jiidgeinents and estimates tliat are reasonable and prudent.
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis iinless it is inappi'opriate to
pi'esume thal the company will continue in business.
The diirctoi's al'e responsible foi. keeping adequate ac¢oiinting records tliat air siifficient to show
and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accui'acy at any tiine the financial
position of the coinpany and enable tliem to ensiire that the financial statements coinply with tlie
Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safegiiai'ding tlie assets of the company aiid hence
for talcing reasonable steps foi- tlie pi'evention and detection of fi'aud and othei. irregulai'ities.
In so far as the directors aware:
their is no relevant audit infomiation of which the company's auditoi. is unaware. and
the directors have taken all steps that tliey ought to have taken to make themselves aware
of any relevant audit inforniation and to establish that the auditoi. is aware of that information.
By order of the boar
os
CAULEY
JULIEI MAGUIRE
DIREcfoR
DATE
8th June 2024
DATE
8th June 2024
Page 7