Castle Tower pupils succeed on the Placement Insights Programme
Friday 26 June 2026
Post-16 pupils from Castle Tower School have successfully completed the Placement Insights Programme, an initiative designed to provide young people with meaningful exposure to the world of work.
The programme was delivered by Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership (LMP), in collaboration with local businesses, and funded by the Department for Communities.
Over the course of six weeks, participants took part in interactive, bitesize employability support sessions covering CV writing, interview skills and introductions to the world of work and career sectors.
Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) create targeted employment action plans for local council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, hosted a recognition event at The Braid praising the students’ commitment and engagement. He said: “I was very impressed with the young people of Castle Tower School. They fully engaged in the six-week employability skills programme with our Mid and East Antrim LMP Officers. The teachers and parents should be very proud of these young adults, who through this programme have increased their knowledge and skills to help them seek employment.”
As part of the programme, Maia White from The Ticket Bakehouse visited the school to share insights into her business, including available roles, progression routes, and the skills and qualities required in the workplace. Students also had the opportunity to visit The Ticket Bakehouse.
Workshops were delivered by EightyFive90 on content creation and Creating Retail Magic on visual branding & merchandising. In addition, an Environmental Health Officer delivered educational sessions on air fryers and slow cookers, offering money saving tips alongside a taste test comparing branded and unbranded products. The final session saw the students participate in a live trade exercise using some of the products produced by the school at the Fairhill Centre.
The programme has helped to build confidence, increase skills, and improve long-term employment opportunities by providing accessible, supported and meaningful experiences.
A range of support agencies attended the recognition event to offer follow on support to the students.
If your organisation would like to get involved in any of our programmes for the year ahead, please contact us on lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk to find out more.