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A new cross-border initiative, the Skills Connect Programme, has officially launched to support 2,000 people with disabilities across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland’s border counties, including Newry, Mourne & Down.
In Newry, Mourne & Down and the surrounding area, the programme is expected to benefit those most affected by economic inactivity and underemployment, particularly people with disabilities, who are disproportionately impacted. Training will be co-designed with participants and employers to meet local market needs and ensure long-term, inclusive impact.
The programme has secured over €7 million in funding through the Skills Connect Programme, a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The initiative will run over four years and offer bespoke training academies focused on areas of economic growth such as digitalisation, the green economy, and health and social care. It will address persistent skills shortages and create accessible pathways to higher-level training and employment.
Led by NOW Group, the programme is delivered in partnership with The Cedar Foundation, Open College Network NI, Ulster University, and Dundalk Institute of Technology, with support from the Department for the Economy (NI) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Ireland).
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD said: “The Skills Connect Programme, led by the NOW Group and its four partners - The Cedar Foundation, Open College Network Northern Ireland, University Ulster and Dundalk Institute of Technology - brings together the strengths of each partner to develop an innovative, inclusive approach to upskilling and reskilling adults living with disabilities, neurodiversity, and brain injuries.
"Its cross-border scope makes this collaboration unique and inclusive. It has the capacity to serve as a magnet for partnership with industry, North and South across multiple sectors including Hospitality/Tourism, Health and Social Care and the Green Economy, while most importantly creating life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities.
"My Department is pleased to work closely with the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland and the Special EU Programmes Body on this initiative. We are strongly committed to maintaining and strengthening these partnerships and to encouraging new ones.
"Finally, I want to once again acknowledge the EU’s steadfast commitment to peace on this island, as reflected in its financial and other support. The establishment of the PEACEPLUS programme, backed by more than €1 billion, is a clear demonstration of that commitment.”
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “The Skills Connect project will enable people with disabilities to attain skills in areas where there are clear regional shortages. 2,000 individuals will receive training through a bespoke training academy. By helping them develop their skills and increase their employment prospects this project will help to address the persistent underemployment of people with a disability.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “By investing in skills, we are investing in people, and when we invest in people, we invest in peace. There are persistent challenges that have long hindered inclusive economic growth, particularly economic inactivity and underemployment, with a strong emphasis on people with disabilities and those who are neurodiverse. This project will address those challenges, and is funded as part of the Areas Skills Development in PEACEPLUS.
“It is fantastic to know that this project will support 2,000 participants on their skills development journey. A joined-up, area-based approach will enable education providers, industry, local authorities and community partners to work together across borders and communities. Through collaboration, these initiatives will not only foster economic growth, but also build stronger, more inclusive societies.
“The central aim of this project and of this area in PEACEPLUS is to continue to transform lives and regions in ways that truly matter and I wish the Skills Connect project every success.”
Maeve Monaghan, CEO of NOW Group added: “The Skills Connect Programme represents a strategic and inclusive response to some of the most pressing economic challenges facing Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland. By addressing persistent skills gaps and barriers to employment, particularly among people with disabilities and underserved communities, we are laying the foundation for a more equitable and resilient regional economy. Through collaboration, innovation, and a co-designed approach, we are committed to creating sustainable pathways to high quality skills and employment opportunities that reflect the needs of today’s workforce and tomorrow’s economy.”
