Communities Minister has welcomed the wide range
of opportunities being made available through the JobStart
scheme.
Since this JobStart scheme launched in October 2025, a total of
1,086 employers have signed up, offering over 1,200 new
opportunities.
Jobs that are available include such varied roles as Trainee
Swimming Instructor, Horticulture and Environment Assistant and a
First Aider for an independent ambulance service. The JobStart
scheme remains open to participants until 31 March 2026. The
range of JobStart opportunities on offer can be viewed
at www.JobApplyNI.com.
During a visit to The Music Yard Arts & Wellbeing Centre
in Larne, where he met a JobStart participant who was assisting
music instructors teaching vulnerable adults, Minister Lyons
described how JobStart was part of an overall strategy aimed at
supporting people into work and tackling economic inactivity.
The Minister said: “We have been hearing about the benefits of
JobStart from employers who are using the programme to attract
new employees, bringing energy and enthusiasm into their
organisations, and also from participants looking to begin, or
return to, their employment journey.
“At The Music Yard I was delighted to meet a JobStart
participant, Eamon, who is engaging in creative arts classes for
adults with learning disabilities. It shows just how valuable a
programme like this can be in making a real difference to local
communities.”
Eamon McElroy, who started working at the Music Yard in January,
said: “I've been able to use JobStart to gain invaluable
experience. It's amazing to come into work and contribute
positively in people's lives as they take part in uplifting
workshops involving all ages and abilities.”
Music Yard founder Thomas Hamilton said: “We have used JobStart
to bring in Eamon as an Arts and Music Engagement Coordinator.
JobStart has given us the means to train him up and he is fully
contributing to our business and helping participants in our
classes experience the joy of creativity.”
Potential participants, who must currently be out of work or
working fewer than eight hours per week on a zero-hours
contract and claiming working age benefits, can enquire about
JobStart by contacting their Work Coach or their local Jobs &
Benefits Office.
Notes to editors:
- The new JobStart scheme will allow 1,234 working age benefit
claimants to participate.
- Across the previous JobStart schemes, over 4,000 employer
applications have been approved; more than 3,000 jobseekers
participated on the schemes; with more than 2,000 participants
gaining employment and over 150 moving into education or
training.
- The first JobStart employment scheme was launched as a COVID
response in 2021 to improve the employability and chances of
sustained employment for young people aged 16-24.
- Since the first scheme launched in 2021 the department has
developed additional schemes continually adapting to meet the
changing needs of both employers and jobseekers.
