Insight Youth: New Mid and East Antrim programme to empower young people into employment

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, is pictured with Noel Mullholland, Michelin Development Ltd; Adele McIvor, Network Personnel; and Rhonda Lynn, Denise Mayo, Hayley Barr and Danielle Gillan, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Mid and East Antrim is set to benefit from a new employability initiative designed to support young people aged 16–24 who are economically inactive or currently unemployed.

The Insight Youth programme, launched by the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership in partnership with Network Personnel, aims to provide crucial skills, mentoring, and practical workplace experience to help participants successfully transition from education into the workforce.

Funded by the Department for Communities and Michelin Development Ltd, the programme addresses growing concerns over youth unemployment while bridging the gap between school or college and long-term career opportunities.

Participants will receive personalised mentoring, accredited and vocational training, practical employment support, and direct access to workplace experiences and industry-standard courses.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the launch, saying:

“This is an exciting opportunity for young people of our Borough to benefit from expert support and guidance that could ultimately set them on the path to a fulfilling new career. The Insight Youth academy will be an excellent resource for those who need help getting a foot on the employment ladder.”

The programme is open to all school leavers aged 16–24 across the borough, with a particular focus on those not pursuing further or higher education.

Adele McIvor, Operations Manager at Network Personnel, added:

“We are delighted to partner with the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership to deliver the Insight Youth academy.

“Our team looks forward to engaging with young people across the district, helping them build the skills and gain the qualifications they need to thrive in their chosen careers.”

Noel Mulholland, Head of Michelin Development UK, emphasised the importance of support for young people entering the workforce:

“At Michelin, we believe that work is a pathway for social progress, but transitioning from education into employment can be a daunting step for some people. This programme will support young people to make that step and get started on a successful and fulfilling career path.”

The Insight Youth programme offers participants a combination of accredited training, hands-on workplace experience, one-on-one coaching, and direct pathways into employment, apprenticeships, or further training.

Training opportunities include OCN NI Level 1 Employability Skills, occupation-specific courses, and short industry-standard qualifications, giving young people a competitive edge in key sectors.

Applications are now open, with the academy due to commence in early October 2025. The programme is completely free, though places are limited.

For more information or to apply, contact Network Personnel at T: 028 7963 1032 or E: lmp@networkpersonnel.org.uk.

Local employers interested in participating can email lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.

Further details on all Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership academies for 2025/26 are available via the official website.