New employability programme ‘Start Out’ launched to support young people with Disabilities in MEA
- Love Ballymena
- Sep 19
- 2 min read
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, is pictured with Noel Mulholland, Michelin Development Ltd, Paddy Crothers and Serena Gallagher, NOW Group, and Rhonda Lynn, Skills and Entrepreneurship Manager, MEABC.
A new employability initiative aimed at empowering young people with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions has been launched in Mid and East Antrim.
The Start Out programme, delivered by NOW Group in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership (LMP) and Michelin Development Ltd, is designed for young adults aged 19–24.
The 12-week academy will provide one-to-one tailored support, accredited training, and hands-on work placements to help participants build skills and gain confidence on their journey into employment.
Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships allow for collaboration between councils, local organisations and regional bodies to deliver targeted employment action plans.
‘A valuable programme for our young people’
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the launch:
“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 Start Out programme is also supported by Michelin Development Ltd, which is helping to ensure that young people facing barriers to employment can access opportunities for growth and independence.
Noel Mulholland, Head of Michelin Development UK, said:
“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.”
Breaking down barriers to work
The programme is free to join and offers a range of supports, including:
One-to-one guidance from a dedicated Employment Officer
Accredited vocational training options such as Customer Service, Business Administration, Retail, Warehousing, and Catering & Hospitality
Work placements with local employers
CV building, job searching, and interview preparation support
Ongoing in-work coaching from specialist Employment Officers
Training allowance, plus support with travel and childcare
Paddy Crothers, Employment Development Manager at 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.”
Recruitment now open
The Start Out academy is currently recruiting, with delivery set to begin on 15 October 2025.
To find out more or to arrange a suitability meeting, interested individuals can contact:
Rebecca Richardson, Employment Officer Mid and East Antrim
T. 07884 330036
