Insight Youth: A new Mid and East Antrim employability programme to empower young people
Tuesday 16 September 2025
Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and Network Personnel have launched a new employability programme offering vital support and skills development to young people aged 16–24 who are economically inactive or currently unemployed.
The Insight Youth initiative, funded by Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and Michelin Development Ltd and delivered by Network Personnel, aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, preparing young people for successful careers in a rapidly evolving job market.
Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
The academy was developed in response to growing discussions about youth unemployment and the transition from school to the workforce, while the programme blends personalised mentoring, accredited and vocational training, practical employment support, proactive employer brokerage, workplace experiences, and regular personal development activities.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for young people of our Borough to benefit from expert support and guidance that could ultimately set them on the path to a fulfilling new career.
“The Insight Youth academy will be an excellent resource for those who need help getting a foot on the employment ladder.”
The programme is open to all school leavers aged 16-24 across Mid and East Antrim, with a particular focus on supporting those who may not be pursuing further or higher education.
Adele McIvor, Operations Manager, Network Personnel, said:
“We are delighted to partner with the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership to deliver the Insight Youth academy.
“Our team looks forward to engaging with young people across the district, helping them build the skills and gain the qualifications they need to thrive in their chosen careers.”
Noel Mulholland, Head of Michelin Development UK, added:
“At Michelin, we believe that work is a pathway for social progress, but transitioning from education into employment can be a daunting step for some people.
“This programme will support young people to make that step and get started on a successful and fulfilling career path.”
This Insight Youth programme aims to provide practical skills and real-world experience to help the young people of Mid and East Antrim step into the workplace ready to thrive, with direct access to live vacancies on completion of training.
Participants will benefit from:
- accredited skills training in areas such as OCN NI Level 1 Employability Skills, Occupation/Industry-specific courses, and short industry standard courses - enhancing the participants immediate employability across key sectors
- hands-on experience through work placement opportunities, job shadowing, or volunteering with partner employers
- one-on-one coaching and mentorship to support each individual’s personal development and goal setting
- direct pathways into employment, apprenticeships or further training opportunities
Applications are now open, with the academy set to commence in early October 2025. The programme is completely free to join and places are limited.
For more information or to apply, contact: Network Personnel on T: 028 7963 1032 or E: lmp@networkpersonnel.org.uk.
If you are a local employer and keen to find out more information on how you can get involved in this initiative, please contact E: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.
For further information on all Mid and East Antrim LMP Academies for 2025/26, please check out the website or E: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.