NMD Labour Market Partnership Helps Residents Secure Work, Upskill or Retrain

Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership aims to promote Newry, Mourne and Down as a great place to work, support people to access work, and provide the relevant skills for vacancies now and into the future. In the last financial year (2023-24) NMD Labour Market Partnership helped 104 participants across the district secure employment, 127 participants gained new qualifications, with 309 local employers engaged with the process and over 3,000 people attending employment pathway events.

Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work. A new set of work and training opportunities are open for applications from September 2024 in Newry, Mourne and Down. Some of those already helped by the Partnership have spoken out about their own life changing experiences.

Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership provided 48 residents with an opportunity to take part in a Get Work Ready programme delivered by Clanrye group. This was a personalised employment pathway programme supporting participants into employment, education or training. James Moffett, from Newry, enrolled in the Get Work Ready programme, seeking employment stability amidst looming redundancy. James utilized the support available through the programme to refine his CV, gain mock interview experience and adopt advanced job search techniques. James said, “The Get Work Ready programme ensured I had the confidence and the enhanced job seeking skills to apply for new jobs and gain employment with a new employer.”

The Enterprise Pathway programme, delivered by Newry Enterprise Agency and Down Business Centre provides up to three months mentoring support along the business startup journey. Nicola Dickson from Ballynahinch participated in the Enterprise Pathway programme and now runs a coffee trailer together with her sister called ‘Boxd’. Boxd is a retro converted caravan, specializing in acai bowls, smoothies and coffee. Nicola said, “One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was being paired with a mentor, whom I met with regularly. We delved into discussions about my dedication to delivering top-notch products and services to customers, pinpointing our need to expand our reach to a broader audience of potential clients. But even after completing the programme, I appreciate knowing that my mentor and Down Business Centre remain accessible for advice and assistance with just a phone call away.”

Several participants took part in employability academies delivered by various training organisations, helping them gain the relevant skills required to secure a job.

The Transport Academy delivered by Workforce provides all the required training and testing to enable participants to acquire a HGV or PCV licence to enable them to begin a career as a professional driver. Killyleagh resident Christine Doyle saw a post on Facebook advertising the Transport Academy. Christine said, “Having my HGV test was something I always wanted to do but never had the confidence to do.