% LMP members who feel the local LMP is making a positive contribution and delivering effectively (LMP)

SP1.1 LMP delivery and development Effective delivery of the LMP through the Members, appropriate structures and mechanisms

• Development and delivery of  MEA LMP
• Action Plan development and delivery
• Secretariat for LMP
• Capacity Building and knowledge  sharing with LMP Members and Stakeholder
• Collaboration with other LMPs
• MTF Skills Sub Group
• Enterprise and Employability in the Community Sub Group

How much did we do?
6 x LMP Meetings

How well did we do it?
Overall total 72/96 and 75% attendance of LMP members at meetings

Is anyone better off?
14/16 and 88% of LMP members feel that they are contributing to the delivery of the LMP
14/16 and 88% of LMP members who think that the LMP is making a positive difference.

% of MEA Economic Inactivity Rate (16-64 - Excl Students)
% of Claimant Count in MEA
% of MEA Employment rate of people with disabilities
# MEA Median Gross Annual Pay by Place of Work

Economic Inactivity

Deliver a suite of activities to encourage greater  participation in the labour market.

SP2.1 Community Skills

To encourage the economically inactive back to work, MEA LMP will support inclusive access to employability programmes,
focusing on a community/employer partnership approach.

How much did we do?
38 participants enrolled on the project

How well did we do it?
30/38 and 79% of participants completed the project
25/30 and 83% of participants reported satisfaction with the LMP project

Is anyone better off?
25/30 and 83% of completers gained a qualification because of participation on the project.
10/25 and 40% of completers gaining new employment
10/25 and 40% of completers who undertake further education or training following completion of the project.

Holistic coaching to support individuals reach their goals by focusing on the whole person approach, by helping individuals to consider not just their work goals but also their physical health, emotional wellbeing, family and social life.

Participants will agree a tailored pathway for development which may:

• Digital Skills Training
• Employability Skills
• Sector Skills
• Development

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
10 participants enrolled on the project

How well did we do it?
7/10 and 70% of participants completed the project 
7/10 and 70% of completers reported satisfaction with the LMP project

Is anyone better off?
6/7 and 86% of completers gained a qualification as a result of participation on the project.
5/7 and 71% of completers who undertake further education or training following completion of the project.

SP2.3 Insight Youth

Aims to quip young people with the seven key employability skills employers regard as essential to making a successful start in the  workplace, retaining employment and building a career.

Long-term personal development and employability programme includes:

18 - 20 hours of skillbuilding workshops

10 - 20 hours of community service

80 hours of work experience with a local business

How much did we do?
10 participants enrolled on the project

How well did we do it?
7/10 and 70% of participants completed the project
7/10 and 70% of completers reported satisfaction with the LMP project

Is anyone better off?
6/7 and 86% of completers gained a qualification as a result of participation on the project.
5/7 and 71% of completers who undertake further education or training following completion of the project.

Unemployment

MEA LMP have designed a range of academies with small target numbers to facilitate the breadth of skills demands locally.

We will collaborate with neighbouring councils to ensure economies of scale and access to opportunity.

To reduce job claimant numbers within the borough, through a range or bespoke interventions designed to meet the needs of participants and employers.

SP2.4 Classroom Assistant (Entry Level)

Demand-led entry level employment academies to provide access to and support to sustain employment.

An introduction to the sector and insight into the range of job roles available with support to apply for live, local vacancies within schools.

Participants will have opportunities throughout the academy to improve their employability skills as well as access to a range of personal development training including communication and teamwork.

Guaranteed interviews with local employers and one to one mentoring support for the duration of the programme.

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
13 participants enrolled

How well did we do it?
12/13 and 92% participants completed the project.
12/13 and 92% of completers reported satisfaction with the project.

Is anyone better off?
9/12 (75%) commenced employment.
6/9 and 67% of participants reported still in employment 6 months after finishing participation

Participants will complete qualification in Paediatric First Aid Safeguarding Children and Health & Safety.

Undertake training to include Business Development and marketing.

Participants will have one to one mentoring support throughout the duration of the
programme.

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
10 Participants enrolled on the project

How well did we do it?
8/10 and 80% of participants enrolled who completed the project.
6/8 and 75% of completers who reported satisfaction with project

Is anyone better off?
8/8 and 100% of completers gained a qualification as a result of participation on the project
6/8 and 75% of participants reported they felt more confident about becoming self-employed
6/8 and 75% of completers commenced self employment/employment
4/6 and 67% of completers still in employment 6 months after finishing participation

1, 2, 3, 4

SP2.6 Dispensing Assistant

Comprehensive training and support employment academy aims to enhance the employability and career readiness of participants.

Combined skills and knowledge programme to prepare participants for a career within Pharmacy Dispensing.

The academy will include Classroom based learning, work placements, employability skills development and participants will have the opportunity to progress onto complete Level 2 in Pharmacy Services

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
10 participants enrolled

How well did we do it?
8/10 and 80% participants completed the project.
7/8 and 88% of completers reported satisfaction with the project.

Is anyone better off?
6/8 and 75% of completers commenced employment
4/6 and 67% of completers still in employment 6 months after finishing participation

1, 2, 3, 4

SP2.7 Engineering (Welding, Coachbuilding)

Bespoke 'work ready' training programme designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, experience, and confidence to begin a new career within manufacturing/engineering

The Engineering Academy will include various pathways that will be shaped due to employer needs with relevant training identified offered to participants.

Initial demands are around welding/fabrication electrician’s assistant and electronics

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
10 participants enrolled

How well did we do it?
8/10 and 80% participants completed the project.
7/8 and 88% of completers reported satisfaction with the project.

Is anyone better off?
6/8 and 75% of completers commenced employment
4/6 and 67% of completers still in employment 6 months after finishing participation

SP2.8 Hospitality & Tourism

Academy Training interventions to support participants to progress into roles within Hospitality & Tourism

The academy will introduce the sector and insight into the range of job roles available.

Participants will be able to explore a range of training options geared towards careers in outdoor pursuits, indoor leisure or visitor attractions.

Participants will attend weekly classes to gain skills and knowledge to support them to complete agreed vocational related qualifications.

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
13 participants enrolled

How well did we do it?
12/13 and 92% participants completed the project.
12/13 and 92% of completers reported satisfaction with the project.

Is anyone better off?
9/12 (75%) commenced employment.
6/9 and 67% of participants reported still in employment 6 months after finishing participation

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

SP2.10 Classroom Assistant

Upskilling 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.

Throughout the duration of the academy participants 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.

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
15 participants enrolled

How well did we do it?
12/15 and 80% completing the programme.
12/15 and 80% completers reporting satisfaction with the project

Is anyone better off?
11/12 and 92% of completers who gained a qualification because of participation on the project
8/12 and (67%) commenced permanent employment.

SP2.11 Cleantech

The Cleantech Academy will be shaped due to employer needs and include training to support staff upskilling

The Cleantech Academy - skilling up programme to raise skills levels in the emerging cleantech and green technology sector.

Hydrogen, Renewable Energy Electric/Hybrid Vehicle repair
Small Scale Solar
Photovoltaic Systems
Electrical Energy
Storage Systems
Domestic and small commercial electric vehicle charging installations

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
10 participants enrolled

How well did we do it?
8/10 and 80% participants completed the project.
7/8 and 88% of completers reported satisfaction with the project.

Is anyone better off?
8/8 and 100% of completers who gained a qualification because of participation on the project
6/8 and 75% of completers moved into higher paid employment

SP2.12 Employer Led Skills

Development to provide support for employees in sectors not covered through academies.

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
10 participants enrolled

How well did we do it?
8/10 and 80% completing the programme.
8/10 and 80% completers reporting satisfaction with the project

Is anyone better off?
8/8 and 100% of completers who gained a qualification because of participation on the project
6/8 and 75% of completers moved into higher paid employment

SP2.13 Transport

Participants will have the option of completing training in HGV or PCV

• Category C (HGV Class 2) or PCV (bus / coach) licences and secure employment.

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
10 participants enrolled

How well did we do it?
8/10 and 80% completing the programme.
8/10 and 80% completers reporting satisfaction with the project

Is anyone better off?
8/8 and 100% of completers who gained a qualification because of participation on the project
6/8 and 75% of completers moved into higher paid employment

SP2.14 City Deal

Bespoke academy with a menu of upskilling courses and insights.

This academy will offer training in a range skills pathways to meet gaps in the local labour market.

Pathways include:

• Plant Operations
• Specialist Skills
• Retrofit

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
10 participants enrolled

How well did we do it?
8/10 and 80% participants completed the project.
7/8 and 88% of completers reported satisfaction with the project.

Is anyone better off?
8/8 and 100% of completers who gained a qualification because of participation on the project
6/8 and 75% of completers moved into higher paid employment

Disability

Tailored initiatives to support people with disabilities to enter the labour market which will focus on skills development job placement assistance, and partnerships with employers willing to prioritise diversity to help bridge the employment gap.

SP2.15 Work Connections

To provide participants with intensive one-to-one scaffolded approach to support the development of the individual with increasing focus on progressing to employment as they move through each phase.

The programme will offer 1:2:1 personal development mentoring, accredited training, work placements and employability support.

Additionally, Work Connections will support local employers who wish to provide placements, work tasters and employment to programme participants.

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
11 participants enrolled
6 employers engaged

How well did we do it?
9/11 and 82% participants completed programme.
8/9 and 89% of completers reported satisfaction with the LMP project.
4/6 and 67% of employers reported satisfaction with the project.

Is anyone better off?
8/9 and 89% of completers reported feeling more confident regarding their employability as a result of participation on the project.
8/9 and 89% of completers gaining new employment.
5/8 and 63% of participants reported still in employment 6 months after finishing participation

SP2.16 Graduate Build

Tailored training and employment support for graduates with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed, economically inactive or not suited to existing provision

Programme will include a range of personalised supports and qualifications to support graduates move into employment

A comprehensive training and support program for graduates with disabilities which will significantly enhance their employment prospects.

The programme will include:

Job Exploration
Work-Based Learning
Workplace Readiness Training
Self-Advocacy Training
Mentoring
Inclusive Employer Partnerships

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
10 participants enrolled
6 employers engaged

How well did we do it?
8/10 and 80% participants completed programme.
6/8 and 75% of completers reported satisfaction with the LMP project.
4/6 and 67% of employers reported satisfaction with the project.

Is anyone better off?
6/8 and 75% of completers reported feeling more confident regarding their employability as a result of participation on the project.
6/8 and 75% of completers gaining new employment.
4/6 and 67% of participants reported still in employment 6 months after finishing participation

SP2.17 Start Out 19-24

To provide individual tailored support, further education, training and employment opportunities for young people with SEN

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
10 participants enrolled

How well did we do it?
8/10 and 80% participants completed programme.

Is anyone better off?
7/8 and 88% of completers reported feeling more confident regarding their employability because of participation on the project.
6/8 and 75% of completers who reported developing skills because of participation on the project
5/8 and 63% of completers who undertake further education or training following completion of the project.

1,2,3,4

Increased awareness of existing regional/local employability or skills provision (LMP)

SP3.1 Employability and Well-being Events

To support those seeking to move into education, employment, or training through direct engagement with local employers training providers and support.

Working with DfC colleagues on JobStart and other appropriate delivery.

Also working with local Shared Prosperity Funded employability provision to ensure comprehensive support.

How much did we do?
150 attendees at events
25 employability/skills providers engaged

How well did we do it?
65/95 and 68% of attendees rated the events as helpful for finding work/training opportunities
20/25 and 80% of employability/skills providers reporting satisfaction with event

Is anyone better off?
65/95 and 68% of attendees feel more informed of career opportunities

SP3.2 MEA Science School aims to inspire young people to become the next generation of scientists with an inspirational programme that mixes the best of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths)

MEA Science School

Over the year we will deliver a range of events including - employer site visits, practical workshops, competitions, careers fairs & work experience for local secondary schools with the main Science School taking place in 2027.

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
650 attendees at events
10 employers engaged

How well did we do it?
9/10 and 90% of employers reporting satisfaction with event
135/200 and 68% of attendees surveyed reporting satisfaction with event

Is anyone better off?
135/200 and 68% of attendees surveyed feel more informed of career opportunities

SP3.3 Takeover Days

Working in partnership with key employers to raise awareness of the variety of careers available in these sectors to youth/ secondary school pupils

Takeover Days

LMP will work with local organisations to deliver 3 Industry Takeover Days with local Secondary Schools to provide immersive events that raise awareness of events and career pathway opportunities.

Includes small workshop and insight days for young people who are ‘Education other than at School’.

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
180 attendees at 3 events

How well did we do it?
115/180 and 64% of attendees reporting satisfaction with event

Is anyone better off?
115/180 and 64% of attendees feel more informed of career opportunities

1, 2, 3, 4

SP3.4 NI Apprenticeship Week 2025

Raise awareness of Apprenticeship Programmes

NIAW 2027

Plan and organise 4, schools and stakeholder events and campaign to encourage greater uptake of apprenticeships.

1 April 2026

31 March 2027

How much did we do?
100 attendees at events

How well did we do it?
65/100 and 65% of attendees reporting satisfaction with event

Is anyone better off?
65/100 and 65% of attendees feel more informed of career opportunities