'Making a real difference to local communities': Minister welcomes strong uptake as 1,086 employers create over 1,200 Northern Ireland job opportunities through JobStart
Gordon Lyons hails success of scheme which remains open to participants until March 31 2026
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons 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 March 31 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, explained: “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 added: “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.