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
You can read our Mid and East Antrim LMP Action Plans for 2025/26 and 2026/27 on this website or download a copy to read offline (PDF 1MB)
Please see below for further information on employment and skills support being offered across 2025/26:
Community-led and localised skills development
Recruitment commences November 2025
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.
Programmes include SIA, Forklift and Hospitality.
To register your interest or to find out more information E: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.
Phlebotomy Training Academy
Recruitment commences December 2025 with course commencing January 2026
Are you interested in working in pursuing a career in phlebotomy?
Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership are offering residents the opportunity to develop their employability skills by completing our bespoke 10-week course which could be a great stepping stone to develop skills in the growing healthcare field specialising in phlebotomy.
The Level 3 Award is a solid introduction to phlebotomy and is for anyone who wants to understand more about phlebotomy with a view to starting on the road to a career as a phlebotomist.
Who can apply?
Mid and East Antrim residents aged 18 years and over who are economically inactive, long-term unemployed, under-employed (typically working less than 16 hours) or those wishing to up skill.
Candidates do not require any qualifications to be eligible for a place on this course, however all candidates must be available to attend all classes and not be participating on any other programme.
Participants who successfully achieve the qualification, will have the opportunity to progress to the Level 3 Certificate in Phlebotomy (subject to funding).
If interested, please contact: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Insight Youth 16 – 24 & Start Out 19 – 24
Insight Youth - Open for registration
Working in partnership with Michelin Development both programmes are designed to include bespoke employer training and placement opportunities tailored for school leavers aged 16 to 24 years (Insight Youth) and young people with disabilities aged 19 to 24 years (Start Out) to bridge skills gaps, enhance personal development and provide employability opportunities.
To find out more or to register E: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Employer engagement is a core element to help build inclusive work environments where young people can develop.
If you are a company interested in supporting both programmes, please contact E: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Classroom Assistant Upskilling Academy
Currently closed but accepting Expressions of Interest
We are offering the opportunity to complete an intensive one-week Classroom Assistant Academy with support to apply for live, local vacancies.
The academy will support candidates currently employed as temporary classroom assistants.
The Academy aims to build confidence within classroom support teams by focusing on the development of the child or young person’s wellbeing and social learning skills.
Understanding how to mentor the individual with needs, while working with the teacher or tutor to develop new cognitive skills, is a core part of the course.
What are the benefits for you?
During our nine-month Classroom Assistant Upskilling Academy you will be working towards a Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools which will be delivered through a series of workshops as well as one to one mentoring and input from guest speakers.
Who can apply?
The Employment Academy is open to anyone living in the Mid and East Antrim Council area.
You must be a working as a classroom assistant on a temporary contract (in any region of Northern Ireland), have Maths and English at GCSE or equivalent or willing to gain these qualifications.
This academy will be equally beneficial to newly qualified classroom assistants or more experienced practitioners who want to develop and enhance their skills.
Please note that places are limited and will be offered to suitable candidates who apply early.
How to apply
Email your contact details to: m.carson@people-1st.co.uk or phone Michael Carson on M: 07857 211 977 and a job mentor will be in touch to discuss the next steps to getting you started on your journey into employment.
Placement Insights Programme
This 6-week project aims to provide participants with interactive bitesize employability support and introduction to the world of work for young people in target groups e.g. those with a disability, leaving care or Education otherwise than at School.
More details to follow.
CleanTech / Green Energy Academy
The Cleantech Academy will be shaped due to employer needs and include training to support staff upskilling in Hydrogen and Green Energy.
This will be a bespoke academy with a menu of upskilling courses and insights in the emerging cleantech and green technology sector.
For more information on training available please contact: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Adult Social Care
Currently closed but accepting Expressions of Interest
This upskilling Academy provides health and social care professionals with the skills, insight and confidence to lead with excellence.
Combining essential core modules with flexible, role-specific options the Academy will foster transformative leadership and expert care delivery.
Participants will have the opportunity to complete the Level 4 Diploma in Adult Social Care in Northern Ireland.
Sewing & Design
Recruitment commences November 2025
This programme will support MEA residents who are hoping for a career in the creative industries, fashion and costume design etc. with advice and guidance from industry experts.
The course will cover ethical and sustainable practices, principles in business and marketing, inspire sessions and instruction incorporating a numeracy element to build skills and increase the confidence of participants.
IT for All
The IT for All programme will provide participants with the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge to gain employment and/or move on to further study.
Participants will complete a range of practical training sessions across a delivery of three cohorts in Mid and East Antrim (one community location in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne).
This community-based IT training initiative offers a flexible and impactful way to address the digital skills gap locally and equips participants with practical and relevant IT knowledge to empower them in digital growth.
Upcoming events
Employability and Wellbeing Events are currently being arranged to support those seeking work to move into education, employment, or training and event details will be updated in due course.
An Over 50s Job Fair is currently being organised for the borough to support those seeking employment.
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: