Ready2Work Academy supports SEN school leavers in building skills for employment
Friday 15 May 2026
A group of talented young people took centre stage on Friday 15 May at a special showcase café event, marking the highlight of their journey through the Ready2Work Academy.
Tuition Time located in Whitehead and support from the local Labour Market Partnership (LMP) helped to deliver this academy.
Ten special educational needs (SEN) school leaver students had the opportunity to demonstrate the confidence, skills and experience they gained through the five-day academy. In a supportive setting they served customers and managed a real café environment.
Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) develop targeted employment action plans for each council area, enabling local and regional collaboration to help people prepare for and access meaningful work.
The Ready2Work Academy is a flexible, structured support service designed to assist SEN School Leaver Students who wish to prepare for work and build their confidence and develop essential employability skills through experience. It aims to remove barriers, empower participants to find meaningful career paths and offer tailored guidance to support sustainable employment outcomes.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “The confidence and enthusiasm of the young people who took part in the Ready2Work academy is fantastic to see. Having the opportunity to develop valuable skills in a supportive, hands-on environment truly makes a real difference to SEN school leavers. Initiatives like this help open doors to meaningful employment and brighter futures; and we value the ongoing support of our hospitality and catering businesses in supporting these young people.”
The showcase event highlighted the students’ progress and represented an important milestone in their transition from education to employment.
This initiative reflects a continued commitment in Mid and East Antrim to support young people with special educational needs transition from education into employment.