Could JobStart be your route back to work? Minister praises wide reach of scheme as 1,200 roles created

Pictured at The Music Yard in Larne are (L-R) Music Yard founder Thomas Hamilton, JobStart participant Eamon McElroy and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.

More than 1,200 new opportunities have been created under the latest JobStart scheme, with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons welcoming what he described as the “wide range of opportunities” now available to people seeking a route back into work.

Since launching in October 2025, 1,086 employers have signed up to the scheme, offering over 1,200 roles across Northern Ireland. Positions currently available range from Trainee Swimming Instructor and Horticulture and Environment Assistant to First Aider with an independent ambulance service.

The scheme remains open to participants until 31 March 2026, with opportunities listed at www.JobApplyNI.com.

Larne visit highlights community impact

During a visit to The Music Yard Arts & Wellbeing Centre in Larne, the Minister met a JobStart participant assisting music instructors delivering classes to vulnerable adults.

The visit underlined the scheme’s wider social value beyond employment statistics.

Minister Lyons 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 began working at the centre in January, described the personal impact of the scheme.

“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 the scheme had allowed the organisation to invest in both its services and its staff.

“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.”

Who can apply?

Potential participants must be out of work, or working fewer than eight hours per week on a zero-hours contract, and claiming working age benefits. Those interested are advised to contact their Work Coach or local Jobs & Benefits Office.

The new JobStart scheme will allow 1,234 working age benefit claimants to participate.

Building on previous success

The current programme follows earlier JobStart initiatives first introduced in 2021 as a COVID response aimed at improving the employability and long-term job prospects of young people aged 16–24.

Across previous schemes, more than 4,000 employer applications were approved, with over 3,000 jobseekers taking part. Of those, more than 2,000 moved into employment, while over 150 progressed into education or training.

Since its initial launch, the Department has continued to adapt the scheme to respond to changing economic conditions and the needs of both employers and jobseekers.

With participation open until the end of March 2026, the latest figures suggest JobStart remains a central part of the Department’s strategy to tackle economic inactivity while delivering tangible benefits for communities across Northern Ireland.