LMP Good News Stories

Start Your Career Now with Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership

Photo caption: Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, with Jonny Meyer (Classroom Assistant, Employability Academy), Naomi Kelly (SIA Academy) and Susie Brady (Academy for People with Disabilities). Image: Ian Pedlow.

The Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership (LMP) is proud to announce its continued success in addressing local skills and employment gaps since its establishment in August 2021. Funded by the Department for Communities (DfC), LMPs create targeted employment action plans for council areas, fostering collaboration at both local and regional levels to support individuals towards and into work.

Since its inception, the Ards and North Down LMP has supported 520 residents through various employability academies, including;

• Transport Academy
• Academy for People with Disabilities
• Classroom Assistant Employability Academies
• Classroom Assistant Upskilling Academy
• SIA Academy (Security Industry Authority)
• Childminding Academy
• Childcare Academy
• Work Ready Programme
• Business Support Services Academy

These initiatives have successfully enabled over 253 residents to secure employment, with ongoing recruitment promising even more job outcomes.

In addition to supporting individuals, the Ards and North Down LMP has helped 78 employers since 2021, contributing to the upskilling and training of over 200 employees within the Borough through the Employer-Led Upskilling Programme, which offers grants to employers for staff development.

With confirmed funding for 2025-2026, the Ards and North Down LMP will continue its impactful work, offering academies such as the Transport Academy, Academy for People with Disabilities, Classroom Assistant Employability Academy, Catering Academy, Health and Social Care Academy, Greentech Academy, and the Employer-Led Upskilling Programme. This funding will also support outreach initiatives, including two Job Fairs in Ards and Bangor, two Disability Employment and Support Days and Skills and Employment Support Clinics across the Borough.

The LMP has also developed two Employability and Skills Registers, one for employers and one for individuals, detailing available support and resources. These registers are available for download on the LMP website.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:

"The Labour Market Partnership has been instrumental in bridging the skills gap and providing valuable employment opportunities for our residents. The continued funding ensures that we can build on this success and support even more individuals and businesses in our community."

For more information on the Ards and North Down LMP or to register your interest in upcoming academies, please visit www.andbusiness.co.uk/andlmp

Martin joined NOW Group as he was seeking support with employment and training after being out of the workforce for over 30 years. Initially uncertain and lacking confidence, Martin faced significant barriers to employment, including challenges with mental health and learning difficulties that affected his reading and writing skills.

Determined to make a change with support, Martin enrolled in our Customer Service course on the Jobs Focused Academy for People with Disabilities in November 2024, delivered in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Labour Market Partnership. 

This course proved to be a turning point. With encouragement from his trainer, employment officer and the structured support provided, Martin began to rebuild his confidence. He gradually improved his reading and writing skills, felt empowered by his progress, and was thrilled to achieve a formal OCN L2 qualification. This success gave him the motivation and self-belief to begin applying for jobs.

In February 2025, NOW Group partnered with NI Timber Frames in Newtownards to create a job trial opportunity. Believing Martin would be a strong fit for the team; he was supported in starting a three-month trial as a production operative. Throughout this period, Martin demonstrated commitment, reliability, and a strong work ethic. He took on responsibilities such as packing timber sheeting to protect materials from damp, as well as other general production duties.

At the end of the job trial, Martin was offered a permanent position - an achievement that marked a major milestone in his employment journey. He is now a valued member of the team at NI Timber Frames, proud of the role he plays in a productive, supportive work environment.

Reflecting on his experience, Martin shared: "NOW Group has helped me so much. I would recommend them to anyone. My life has completely changed - I now have something to look forward to every day. Gary, Peter and John and the team are fantastic. We have great banter, and I feel I fit in well with everyone. I feel supported and valued. My mental health has improved, I love my job, and I feel proud of what I’ve achieved. Thank you so much to the NOW Group for all the support with training and employment."

Martin's story is a testament to the impact of tailored support, meaningful training, and inclusive employment opportunities. We’re proud to have walked alongside him on this journey and look forward to seeing all he continues to achieve.

Martin McMullan – Participant

"I recently completed the Work Ready programme with Frankie Maguire of People First and really benefited from my participation in this programme.
I came to the course trying to get back into employment after a three year gap, still wrestling with the residual challenges of prolonged ill health and chronic fatigue. Aged 63, my confidence was rock bottom and I was feeling really de-skilled, especially as I had not used a computer in the three years I had been out of work. As the course was being delivered online that was a challenge in itself! 
Frankie was extremely patient and helpful and before the course even started went above and beyond to talk me through what I needed to do to access the course on Microsoft Teams. 
Her delivery of the course was very personable and engaging and she promoted a camaraderie within the group that was supportive and informative. The course content was excellent. From what I learned, I was able to revamp and improve my CV and get to grips with preparing for interviews. The 1:1 mock interview was both nerve wracking and hugely beneficial and proved really useful when I secured an actual interview.
I have no doubt that my participation in this course and Frankie’s support and mentoring have played a huge part in restoring my confidence and in my securing an offer of employment.
I have no hesitation in recommending this course.'

Feeonagh Chambers - Work Ready Programme Participant

"Following several years out of the workforce I decided it was time to get back out there but with a change of direction and needed to retrain. One of my own children has a Classroom Assistant and this was an area that interested me as I can see first hand the benefits it makes to children. My friend sent me a link to the course run by People 1st.  From my first contact with them I felt supported and well informed. My contact Maria is fantastic. If I had any queries or concerns if she couldn't answer straight away she found an answer and came back to me. I felt confident going forward to approach schools myself but Maria did this proactively on my behalf and I am pleased to say within 2 weeks of completion of the course I had been offered and accepted a position in my local nursery unit. Excellent experience from me and wouldn't hesitate to recommend  the Labour Market Partnership from Ards & North Down Council & People 1st  to anyone. Thanks Everyone!"

Sarah F - Classroom Assistant Academy Participant

"I have recently completed the classroom assistant academy with People 1st & Ards & North Down Labour Market Partnership. I decided to apply as I was coming to the end of my maternity leave with my second child. I have previously been out of work due to being a carer for my son who has special needs. It felt like perfect timing when I seen the academy advertised. It was such a great help to have it on zoom (as daunting as that can be) with having school runs and managing a baby. I also couldn’t have been able to complete it without the help of my partner and family.
The academy taught me things like how children learn, roles of a classroom assistant and first aid, which has come in useful. 
Maria was a godsend once the academy was completed and I was looking for employment. Not only was she there to help with CV writing, but also when my confidence was low about being out of employment for so long. I have since got a job in a local school as a 1-1 assistant. The staff have been amazing and it feels like I’ve always been there.
I’d highly recommend not just the classroom assistant academy, but any academy People 1st  run. Everyone has been so supportive and the knowledge each person has given us is invaluable. I honestly can’t thank Maria and People 1st & Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership enough!"

Jacki Montgomery - Classroom Assistant Academy participant
 

Maria McKeever, St Mary's Primary School, Comber

1. How did you first become involved with the People 1st Classroom Assistant Employment Academy and what encouraged your school to take part?
We first became involved after hearing about the Classroom Assistant Employment Academy through People 1st and the Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership. As a small primary school, we were keen to support people from the local area into meaningful employment while also meeting the growing needs within our classrooms. The structured approach and support offered made it an easy decision to take part.

2. How would you describe the support and communication you received from People 1st throughout the process, from first contact to placement?
The support and communication from People 1st were excellent from the very beginning. The team kept in regular contact, provided clear information, and were always friendly and approachable. The process felt very smooth and well-organised throughout.

3. What stood out about the quality and professionalism of the People 1st team, particularly in how promptly they responded to your school’s needs?
The professionalism and responsiveness of the People 1st team really stood out. They were quick to answer any queries and always checked in to make sure everything was running well. Their genuine care and attention made us feel very well supported.

4. How many of the participants have gone on to secure employment with your school and what influenced your decision to offer them a role?
We have offered employment to three participants, with the possibility of a fourth joining us soon. Each person impressed us with their enthusiasm, reliability, and the strong skills and understanding they brought from their training. They fitted in so well with our school community that it was an easy decision to keep them on.

5. How well-prepared were the participants who joined your school and what impact have they made in school?
The participants were very well-prepared and confident from the start. They quickly became valuable members of our team, providing excellent support to both staff and pupils. Their positive attitude and commitment have made a real difference in our classrooms and across the school.

6. Would you recommend working with People 1st and the Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership to other schools and if so, why?
Yes, definitely. We would highly recommend working with People 1st and the Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership. The programme has been a great support for our school and for the individuals taking part. It’s a fantastic way to help people gain experience while meeting real needs within schools.