Labour Market Partnership helps Newry residents into work

The Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership has supported over 200 residents to secure jobs, retrain or upskill. In 2025/26 it supported 140 people into employment and self-employment and helped 176 participants gain new qualifications. It also engaged with 528 employers and welcomed over 3,400 people to employment pathway events.

Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas. This allows for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work. Previous participants have shared how the programmes helped transform their careers and lives, as a new set of work and training opportunities prepares to open for applications.

Last year, sixty-eight residents took part in the Get Work Ready Programme delivered by Clanrye Group, which provides personalised guidance into employment, education or training. One participant, Cody from Newry, completed the programme and started part-time work. She said it boosted her ICT skills and gave her real confidence in herself.

“I’m working part-time in a beauty salon and it’s a great fit because it’s close to home and works well with my family life and caring for my son. I’ve really enjoyed coming to the Get Work Ready programme every week, socialising, meeting new people and having a routine. I would highly recommend the programme to anyone,” she said.

Ten residents took part in the Inclusion Participant Programme, also delivered by Clanrye. They included Carmel McAllister from Ballynahinch, who recently started her own business. She found out about the programme while attending a Neurodiversity Café at the South Eastern Regional College.

“At the time, I had recently started my own business and the programme helped me update my CV, realise how many transferable skills and qualifications I already had, with Clanrye encouraging me to use my background in holistic therapy, mindfulness and meditation coaching in a new way by teaching these skills to others through another programme, which is something I never would have had the confidence to do on my own,” she said.

“The support, encouragement and belief in me has genuinely helped shape the direction of my business, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything the programme has done for me.”

Niall Rogan from Newcastle said Clanrye helped him create a CV and prepare for interview questions, adding: “I was nervous about interviews and Clanrye staff put me at ease and helped me with examples and I got a job which I love.”

The Enterprise Pathway Programme, delivered by Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency and Down Business Centre, offered up to three months of mentoring to 41 aspiring entrepreneurs. They included Lucy McCartan, who launched her business, Mourne Music Therapy in Newcastle, with support from the programme and the Go Succeed programme.

“Down Business Centre helped break down what felt like a huge task into manageable steps. I used to see myself as a musician who needed to build a business, but now I’m proud to identify as a business owner who just happens to be a musician. It’s a mindset shift I didn’t expect and I now feel confident, equipped and ready to move forward,” she added.

A number of sector-focused academies have also equipped participants with the skills needed for careers in industries with strong employer demand. Erin McCoy completed the Transport Academy, delivered by Workforce Training, which provides HGV or PCV licence training.

“I heard about the programme through Workforce Training Services and thought it was a great opportunity to gain a recognised qualification. Thanks to the support provided, and funding from Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership, I achieved my Class 2 HGV licence and have now moved into employment, which has been a huge step forward for me,” she said.

Ninety residents completed NMD LMP-sponsored upskilling courses delivered by South Eastern Regional College, Southern Regional College and Workforce Training Services. The Level 2 Award in retrofit proved popular, with participants Ethan Feenan and Derek Doogan saying it improved their knowledge of the industry.

“The course exceeded my expectations with its hands-on approach and clear explanations. I gained valuable insights that have helped me apply new strategies in my work, improving efficiency and sustainability in projects,” said Ethan.

Derek added: “The programme gave me the confidence and knowledge to speak to clients about the renewable sector and the tools to deliver informative work details which will secure future work for the business.”

James Mullen completed the Upskilling for Growth Programme, Level 5 Leadership and Management course. He said it had a very positive impact on his confidence and approach to management, and recommended it to anyone looking to strengthen their skills and confidence in a leadership position.

“As someone who recently stepped into a more senior management and team leadership role, the course gave me valuable tools and techniques that I have been able to apply directly within the workplace. It encouraged me to think more strategically about planning, communication and how I support and lead a team on a daily basis,” he said.

“One of the biggest takeaways was gaining a greater understanding of the emotional side of management and the importance of recognising how team dynamics, personalities and workplace pressures can influence performance and morale. The course helped me reflect on how different individuals respond to situations and reinforced the importance of communication, empathy and creating a positive working environment where staff feel supported and listened to and this has already influenced how I approach conversations, problem-solving and team motivation within my role.”

Congratulating all the participants, Newry, Mourne and Down Council Chairperson Councillor Glyn Hanna said: “It is extremely encouraging to see the positive impact NMD LMP initiatives have had in supporting residents across our district to develop both professionally and personally. And with a range of new initiatives being introduced, I would strongly encourage anyone interested to take full advantage of the opportunities that are available under the Partnership.”

Funding for this year’s Labour Market Partnership has been partly secured from the Department for Communities and will enable the phased rollout of projects throughout the district. Residents interested in developing their skills or exploring new employment opportunities are encouraged to visit www.newrymournedown.org to learn more about forthcoming LMP initiatives in 2026/2027.