Labour Market Partnership
Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership aims to support more people into meaningful employment.
The Labour Market Partnership (LMP) is a province-wide approach funded by the Department for Communities and comprises of council, statutory and local employment stakeholders working together to address unemployment, economic activity and improve labour market conditions within the borough.
The Partnership delivers a range of programmes to help our residents gain the work-ready skills, experience or qualifications needed to move into employment or to a better job.
If you would like to find out more about participating in any of our free LMP academies or are an employer wanting to get involved, please contact us:
E: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
T: 028 2563 3345
Please see below for further information on employment and skills support being offered across 2026/27:
Community-led and localised skills development
LMP Officers and delivery partners will work with local communities to identify skills needs and to co-design interventions and programmes that will encourage the hardest to reach economically inactive residents to get into, or back into the labour market or to help take steps on a pathway to better employment or career advancement.
Counterbalance Forklift Training (2-days)
Limited spaces available
Course delivery and content training is carried out to BRITTOP approved standards and uses a combination of theory and practical sessions to provide an understanding of forklift trucks, best practice and safe systems of work.
Construction Skills Register Health & Safety Training (CSR Card)
Limited spaces available
This 1-day training course provides the mandatory health and safety certification required for site access to improve site safety, reduce accidents and verify worker training.
Apply before 22 June 2026.
Individual Learning Account
Subject to funding
This fund will enable eligible MEA residents to apply for funding (100% costs) up to a maximum of £500 towards accredited or industry recognised training required for career development.
The funding can be used to cover all associated costs of training, upskilling, qualification and accreditation.
Training requests over £500 may be considered with a decision made by MEA LMP Board members.
To register your interest or to find out more information E: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
PROPEL
Open for recruitment
The programme is for care experienced young people aged 18 – 25 to support individual care leavers to develop employability skills and work readiness through a range of economic activities to reduce barriers to employment.
Construction & Scaffolding
Open for recruitment
The Construction & Scaffolding Academy offers eligible Mid and East Antrim residents the opportunity to gain skills, accreditation and access to employment within the sector.
Training is expected to take place between Monday 22 June to Wednesday 1 July 2026 and will include Health, Safety & Environment, First Aid at Work, Manual Handling and COSHH plus 1 day’s training at Construction Industry Training Board NI where participants can gain Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (COTS) accreditation and their Construction Skills Register (CSR) card.
Participants will also be able to access employability support and be offered interviews for relevant roles with local employers.
The project will be delivered by Workforce Training with support from the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITBNI) and local employers including 7 Towers Scaffolding.
To apply you must be over 18 years of age, reside in Mid and East Antrim and currently be unemployed, economically inactive or working less than 21 hours per week.
If you meet these criteria and are keen to work in construction, please email Workforce Training Services at info@workforceonline.org including your contact details, address, postcode and include ‘Construction & Scaffolding Academy’ in the subject line.
Career Boost
Open for recruitment
This 8-week programme will provide tailored interventions that empower women returners to build confidence and overcome employment gaps to enter or re-enter employment.
The programme will include:
- Skills development workshops
- CV and interview preparation
- Digital literacy and workplace readiness
- Confidence Building to regain self-belief and develop strategies to approach the job market effectively
- Inspiration and motivation through outreach events that spark interest and encourage progression into a structured programme
- Practical support to identify suitable roles, navigate job searches etc.
Register by completing the online form on the Smart Survey website or E: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
REIGNITE 50+
Open for recruitment
This is a flexible, structured support programme designed for men who wish to prepare for work, return to employment or strengthen their confidence and skills.
A Career Coach will work with participants on an individual basis to help them:
- make meaningful progress toward their employment goals
- provide a clear explanation of how the programme will operate and the support participants will receive
- take time to understand individual circumstances and aspirations for the future
- assess strengths, skills and areas of interest to help identify suitable career paths
Inside Housing
Open for recruitment
This programme will introduce participants to the diverse career opportunities within the Housing Association sector.
The initiative aims to enhance employability, encourage future upskilling and provide a clear pathway into the sector across Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus.
Course being delivered by Northern Regional College.
Apply now by completing the online form on the Smart Survey website or for more information contact: donna.mccullough@nrc.ac.uk
Craft to Commerce
Open for recruitment
This programme is designed to support hobby-craft enthusiasts to develop their products into genuine business opportunities.
Participant must be available each Friday throughout June.
The programme will end with a special showcase event scheduled for Saturday 27 June 2026.
To register email your contact details, including address and postcode, to Debbie Goss at Tuition Time: TuitionTimeByDebbieGoss@yahoo.com with the subject line ‘Craft to Commerce Programme’.
Greenworks Academy
Currently taking Expressions of Interest
This Academy will offer 8 participants an opportunity to build key competencies in a range of accredited courses, develop their employability and personal skills and progress to employment or self-employment.
Participants will take part in a range of core skills training and elective specialist training based on their key areas of interest.
The Academy will also include the support of a pathway mentor, barrier supports and the opportunity to take part in employer insight activities.
The programme will be aimed at new sector entrants who are unemployed, under employed or economically inactive.
Coffee and Cameras
Currently taking Expressions of Interest
This 6-week practical photography programme designed for men who want to learn new skills, enjoy good conversation and explore fresh perspectives through the lens.
Whether you use a digital camera or your phone every session offers relaxed, structured learning to build confidence and creativity.
Upcoming events
Employability and Wellbeing Events
- Larne Town Hall on Thursday 21 May 2026 10am to 12.30pm
If any local employers, with suitable vacancies, are interested in attending please contact: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Contact Details
For any further information regarding Mid and East Antrim’s Labour Market Partnership, please contact the team: