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.

Since I had to give up work in 2016 to be a full-time mum, I thought my opportunity to get my HGV was over but when I rang up Newry, Mourne and Down at the end of 2022 and asked if they were doing the driving academy and they said yes, I jumped at the chance to be included.

The programme was straightforward, I passed my medical with no issues and then passed my theory, the only problem I came across was my nerves when it came to the actual test, like everyone does! I’m now driving part time at Northstone, Craigantlet and it works alongside my family and gives me great delight. I’m so proud of myself and I feel very grateful for the opportunity that was given to me, everyone was very supportive.”

The Hospitality Academy delivered by Southern Regional College gave candidates the opportunity to gain industry relevant qualifications, work experience and move a step closer towards a career as a chef.

Newry resident Richard Xavier was made aware of the Hospitality Academy through social media and said, “I joined the programme as I wanted to improve my skills and hopefully look for a job from it and I also love to cook. It was a brilliant course and very helpful in learning new skills, but I loved the butchery the most. 

“Dean the resident Chef at SRC was a great chef and teacher, with a lot of patience to explain and demonstrate what to do throughout the course.  It was great to get some live kitchen experience in an established local hotel. I have been offered a contract with the Canal Court where I completed my placement which is such a satisfactory result, and I am delighted to say I started with them in Spring. I would highly recommend the course and in fact, already have to some close friends and family.”

An online training opportunity for women living in the Newry, Mourne and Down area was delivered by South Eastern Regional College via the Women Returners Programme. Bethan Fitzsimmons from Ardglass attended the course. She said, “The course helped me to learn a new set of skills as well as refresh my memory on previous skills that I had not used in a while. It also gave me a desire to search for new courses to further improve my knowledge and potential job prospects.”

One of those taking part in the Classroom Assistant Academy was Vilma Grudzinskaite, a long-time resident of Kilkeel. Vilma said, “I found the course to be an enjoyable and positive experience. I loved the various workshops, and the convenience of attending them online via Zoom meant I didn’t need to arrange babysitting for my youngest child. I found the workshops fun and informative, gaining a lot of new knowledge. Despite my experience as a mum, the course helped me understand the boundaries of acceptable behaviour in school settings, especially when supporting students with special educational needs (SEN), which differ from those at home. I aim to gain some on-the-job experience and have applied to local schools and hope to start a new career by the upcoming academic year. I have a genuine passion for working with children and I would like to thank everyone at the NMD LMP and People 1st for this opportunity. I recommend anyone considering a career change or becoming a Classroom Assistant to join the next course - it’s a fantastic fresh start and a great addition to any CV.”

A total of 83 residents in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area completed a variety of LMP sponsored upskilling courses provided by Southern Regional College and South Eastern Regional College.

Diane Weatherup who works in Downpatrick attended the CMI Level 7 Strategic Management programme. She said, “I have found the programme exciting and challenging. The content and session preparation activities have made me reflect on my strengths and weaknesses and consider how I can think at a more strategic level. The opportunity to apply my learning in a strategic project has been so valuable to distil and reinforce my learning but also to add significant strategic value to my organisation. I would not have been in a position to fund this programme myself and so I am very grateful for this opportunity, and I trust that my learning will add value to my organisation which makes a really positive change in our local community and so the investment from NMD LMP was well made.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Pete Byrne said, “I would like to congratulate everyone who has taken part in one of the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership programmes. It’s wonderful to hear success stories and see how these programmes can have a positive impact on peoples lives and careers. Whether you have retrained or upskilled into a new role, or gained access to employment, I’m pleased it has been a positive experience for so many of you.”

Funding for this year has recently been secured from Department of Communities and will result in new programmes and initiatives being offered to residents from Newry, Mourne and Down, so if you could potentially benefit from the support offered, please check out upcoming Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership initiatives for 2024/2025 at https://www.newrymournedown.org/skills-and-employability