Communities Minister Gordon Lyons visited K9ndergarten, a dog daycare service in South Belfast, to witness the positive impact of the JobStart programme.

The scheme, funded by the Department for Communities, has enabled the business to create a new job opportunity, with the participant already in post.

Minister Lyons emphasised that the initiative is designed to create good quality work opportunities and provide businesses with access to motivated people eager to gain experience.

"I am pleased to visit K9ndergarten and see how JobStart is already creating good quality work opportunities... My department aims to support over 1,200 benefit claimants through this latest phase of JobStart and I would encourage more employers to sign up as we look to build on this early success," said Minister Lyons. The Minister is prioritising employment support through this initiative to help people overcome barriers to moving into, retaining, and progressing in employment.

Gary Hazlett, Director of K9ndergarten, confirmed the benefits to his business: "The JobStart scheme has been great for us because it has helped us grow and develop the business by bringing new people in and giving us the means to train them up to a high standard." He noted they have also been able to retain some employees who came through previous JobStart schemes.

Since its latest phase launch last month, the programme has approved 256 employer applications with 352 positions currently on offer via the Department’s JobApplyNI website.

Employers wishing to register for the scheme and find more information can do so via the nibusinessinfo website, while job opportunities for participants are listed on JobApplyNI.com.