Access Employment Limited, Larne

AEL was established as Northern Irelands first social firm to support those with disabilities, health conditions and social disadvantage into meaningful employment.

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Mission - To work in partnership with others to provide a centre of excellence offering opportunities for disadvantaged individuals.
Vision - To provide a centre of excellence which provides opportunities for disadvantaged individuals to gain work experience and training, enhancing their lifestyle, and thus allowing them to achieve their full potential.

Social Enterprise Activities

• Candyrush
• Packaging & Assembly
• Sample Making
• Lunchbox Café
• Naggy Burn Garden Centre
• Naggy Burn Allotments
• Clearer
• Facility Hire

Training Programmes

• Transitions Programme
• Hands On Training Programme
• Day Opportunities
• LIFE

Employers Support

• Learning Disability Awareness training for Staff / Volunteers
• Inclusive Employers Awards

Transitions
The Transitions Programme provides work based learning and training for young adults with additional needs. By undertaking meaningful work experience young people and their families can make more informed decisions about their future.

AEL accepts referrals from both individuals and schools for this programme. We currently work with a number of schools in the Mid and East Antrim area, as well as, Antrim and Newtownabbey to deliver this service.

The Transitions Programme can also offer schools an OCN L1 Enterprise Project to be delivered in schools. This qualification provides young people with entrepreneurial, marketing and self employment skills.

Hands on Training

If you’re aged 16-60 and have a learning disability/difficulty, are finding it difficult to get into work or training, or would simply like to boost your work experience/qualifications this programme could help.

Trainees on the HOT Programme will have access to work experience opportunities across our live businesses, such as:
• Production
• On-line Retail
• Packaging
• Catering
• Horticulture

Life
The LIFE Programme, offers bespoke support which ensures trainees have choices in how they spend their day, who they spend it with and the types of activities offered. We aim to share what’s important to them, by developing a person centered support and action plan that will, set realistic goals and encourage the development of each trainee.

LIFE will promote their physical, mental and social health and enhance quality of life through: Completion of tasks associated with daily living Socialisation / Recreation Education Team work. Attendance is a minimum of 1 day & a maximum of 5 days per week. We would recommend a minimum of 2 days attendance per week, for services to be effective, however this can be discussed on a case by case basis. Successful LIFE Programme trainees often go on to find employment or other skill building opportunities.