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