Start Out: New LMP employability programme launched to support young people with disabilities
Friday 19 September 2025
Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and NOW Group have launched a new employability programme, Start Out, designed specifically for young people with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions aged 19–24.
The programme offers vital support and skills development, creating fresh pathways into meaningful work and independence.
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.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “I am delighted that this valuable programme will deliver for young people of our Borough with disabilities, helping them to gain the training and experience that will grow both their skills and confidence - and in turn support their journeys towards employment and independence.”
The programme, funded by Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and Michelin Development Ltd and delivered by NOW Group, aims to break down barriers to employment and empower young disabled adults with the skills, confidence and support they need to succeed within the workplace.
Paddy Crothers, Employment Development Manager, NOW Group, said: "We are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with Mid and East Antrim LMP and excited to be collaborating with the Michelin Development Ltd for the first time.
“This fantastic initiative will allow us to provide vital employability and training support to those young people in the Borough who often ‘fall between the gaps’.
“The Start Out academy will support NOW in our mission of supporting people with learning difficulties and autism into jobs with a future.”
The 12-week academy is recruiting now with delivery due to commence on 15 October 2025.
Key features of the programme include:
- 1-2-1 support throughout the academy from a dedicated Employment Officer
- completion of Progression to Employment training
- selection from a menu of accredited vocational training, including Customer Service, Business Administration, Retail, Retail Warehousing, Catering & Hospitality
- relevant work placement with local employers
- support with CV building, job searching and interview preparation
- continued employment support, including in-work support from specialist Employment Officers
- training allowance available and support with travel and childcare
Noel Mulholland, Head of Michelin Development UK, added: “Michelin is committed to a world where everybody has equal chances to have the job they love.
“We are delighted to be supporting the Start Out programme providing young people with the opportunity to develop valuable skills and support their transition into employment and independence.”
Start Out offers personalised training, supported work placements and ongoing career coaching ensuring that the successful participants are not only job-ready, but fully supported throughout their journey. The initiative will also help employers become more inclusive, with training and guidance available for all participating organisations.
The Start Out programme is free to join for all individuals with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions aged 19–24.
If you are interested, please contact the NOW Group team in Mid and East Antrim to arrange a suitability meeting:
Rebecca Richardson, Employment Officer Mid and East Antrim
T: 078 8433 0036 E: Rebecca.richardson@nowgroup.org
OR
Serena Gallagher, Employment Officer Mid and East Antrim
T: 077 1009 4882 E: Serena.gallagher@nowgroup.org
For further information on all Mid and East Antrim LMP Academies for 2025/26, please check out our LMP section on this website or email: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.