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Armagh-based Rutledge Recruitment and Training has committeda significant capital sum to acquire Coleraine-based Joblink, the largest private vocational training business in Northern Ireland and a key contractor for the Department of Employment and Learning.

Boasting a total of 30 year’s experience in the industry, the new company aims to revolutionise local recruitment and training processes, by providing an all-inclusive tailored service for public and private sector businesses and organisations throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the Far East.

This acquisition has led to the creation of the largest specialist recruitment & training company in Northern Ireland, with more than 1,500 people currently being placed in jobs and training programmes.

Rutledge Recruitment’s specialism in temporary and permanent recruitment within the nursing, healthcare, industrial and international recruitment sectors will be complemented by Joblink’s expertise in Jobskills, Modern Apprenticeships and Government funded training programmes.

Jonathan Doherty, managing director of Rutledge Joblink explained why this acquisition provides natural synergies that will help address local industry needs:

“Increasingly, organisations have realised the real competitive advantage that can be gained by having trained and qualified people available on an ‘as needed’ or permanent basis.  By acquiring Joblink we can bring together the two core areas of our business and offer employers a one-stop-shop for their staffing and development needs throughout Northern Ireland.

“In line with the Department of Employment’s strategy to develop a world class workforce, we will contribute to the local economy by providing trainees and skilled workers who can make real bottom line difference to organisational performance.  Through the provision of a complete range of recruitment and training services we are confident that we can become Northern Ireland’s number one recruitment and training company in local and international markets.”

Dr Norry McBride, former managing director of Joblink added:  “The team at Joblink welcome the acquisition, which will enable the provision of extra services and greater diversification, leading to better choice on behalf of the client base.”

Rutledge Joblink will retain the senior management team of both companies and will further develop the business using the current operations team to expand the joint range of complementary services.

Ends

For further information , please contact Nicola McCullough

t:028 9076 8314  m:0796 805 8270  e:nicolamcc@hotmail.com

Notes to Editors

The new company will be known as Rutledge Joblink.

Background info:

Rutledge Recruitment and Training www.rutledgerecruitment.com

• A family business established in 1989 as a Recognised Training Organisation, diversifying into recruitment of temporary and permanent staff in the private and public sectors.
• Pre-acquisition - 9 branches in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Philippines and Dubai
• Specialist divisions - healthcare, industrial and international recruitment
• Provides commercial and vocational training and event management services
• Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and the Irish Federation of Professional Services (IFPS).

Joblink www.joblinkni.com

· Set up in 1989

· Pre-acquisition - 11 offices throughout Northern Ireland

· Largest private vocational training business in Northern Ireland

· Major contractor for the Department of Employment and Learning

· The only Training Organisation which can recruit trainees on behalf of the Northern Ireland Civil Service

· Running government Training Programmes since 1989

Specialises in providing a wide range of NVQ qualifications, specialising in IT, Business Administration and Care.