27/03/2026
New Academy To Boost Skills And Job Prospects For People With Disabilities
A five-day initiative to build confidence, strengthen employability and offer practical vocational experience for people with disabilities will run from 27 April to 1 May 2026, 9.30am–12.30pm each day.
Led by the Antrim and Newtownabbey Labour Market Partnership, the Enable Futures Academy is designed to help participants develop real-world skills and consider pathways into work.
Backed by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create tailored employment action plans for council areas, fostering collaboration at local and regional levels to support people towards and into jobs.
The programme will bring together individuals with disabilities for a structured week of personal development, practical learning and employability preparation. It begins with welcome sessions, introductions and ice-breaker activities to build confidence, encourage engagement and create a positive group environment.
Across the week, attendees will complete food hygiene training and explore budgeting basics and healthy lifestyle choices through practical discussions and activities. Vocational sampling will provide insights into different career routes, with options including catering, joinery, motor vehicle, painting and decorating, childcare and business administration.
The final day centres on employability, featuring workshops, mock interviews and conversations about next steps after the programme. The week concludes with a Celebrating Success event, where participants will receive certificates recognising their achievements.
Anyone interested in taking part can apply by contacting Workforce Training Services at info@workforceonline.org or 028 9024 7016. Places are limited and early registration is encouraged. More details are available at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/employment-academies.
Led by the Antrim and Newtownabbey Labour Market Partnership, the Enable Futures Academy is designed to help participants develop real-world skills and consider pathways into work.
Backed by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create tailored employment action plans for council areas, fostering collaboration at local and regional levels to support people towards and into jobs.
The programme will bring together individuals with disabilities for a structured week of personal development, practical learning and employability preparation. It begins with welcome sessions, introductions and ice-breaker activities to build confidence, encourage engagement and create a positive group environment.
The final day centres on employability, featuring workshops, mock interviews and conversations about next steps after the programme. The week concludes with a Celebrating Success event, where participants will receive certificates recognising their achievements.
Anyone interested in taking part can apply by contacting Workforce Training Services at info@workforceonline.org or 028 9024 7016. Places are limited and early registration is encouraged. More details are available at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/employment-academies.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few showers around in the morning but still plenty of dry and bright spells. Drier in the afternoon, although the odd shower still possible, with longer sunny spells developing. Mostly light winds but breezy near coasts. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:It will be a dry evening with some late sunny spells before turning cloudier from the west. Becoming cloudy for all overnight with outbreaks of rain spreading eastwards. Minimum temperature 2 °C.