Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership Celebrates Another Year of Success during 2025/26
Friday 15 May 2026
Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership’s success and achievements throughout 2025/26 were celebrated at the Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena with many of the local companies, stakeholders, participants and training providers who have been actively involved in the programme.
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.
Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership (MEA LMP) is comprised of Council, statutory and local employment stakeholders working together to address unemployment, economic inactivity and improve labour market conditions within the Borough.
MEA LMP Officers continue to collaborate extensively with local employers, community groups and delivery partners to develop a wide range of tailor-made training and support initiatives that have positively equipped participants with the skills and readiness required for employment, providing a positive impact on residents throughout the Borough while meeting the specific needs of employers.
The event celebrated the accomplishments of all individuals connected with the Academies, employability support programmes and community-driven skills initiatives. Through a diverse range of events, programmes and Academies, MEA LMP enhanced awareness around employment and training opportunities to help local residents take meaningful steps toward entering the workforce.
MEA LMP has engaged with over 2,306 participants in employability and skills outreach, 509 participants engaged in Academies and upskilling programmes, 856 young people engaged in hospitality & tourism projects, 137 participants into employment, 449 qualifications achieved and 66 placements completed, 372 young people engaged in NI Apprenticeship Week 2026 and 1,349 young people engaged in Activate Your Curiosity.
Acknowledging the great achievements the LMP delivered in 2025/26, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford said: “One of Council’s top priorities is growing the economy, and we are committed to supporting all individuals across the Borough to develop the skills needed to embrace opportunities for a prosperous and more sustainable future alongside assisting our local employers to get the skilled employees they require to meet vacancy demand.
“We look forward to supporting more people to enter the labour market in 2026/27 and providing further opportunities to reskill and upskill, increase access to better jobs and ensure that our community continues to promote skills pathways in order to thrive and grow.
“On behalf of Mid and East Antrim Borough, I would like to take this opportunity as Mayor to express my thanks and appreciation to all whose work continues to contribute to establishing jobs in the Borough.”
Representatives from TST Group, Building It Better NI, NOW Group, Network Personnel, Northern GP Federation Support Unit and People 1st presented an overview on Academies delivered over the past year such as the Transport Academy, Do It Herself, Work Connections, Start Out, Insight Youth, Medical Administration and Childcare Level 3 and Level 5 and Classroom Assistant Level 3.
If your organisation would like to become involved supporting employment initiatives, developing talent and making a meaningful impact on the community, MEA LMP would love to hear from you. Whether you're interested in offering placements, mentoring, training opportunities or simply learning more, get in touch to explore how you can be part of the Mid and East Antrim employment programmes.
For further information on participating in forthcoming programmes and events for the year ahead under the 2026/27 MEA LMP Action Plan, visit our Labour Market Partnership section or contact MEA LMP at: LMP@midandeastantrim.gov.uk