If you are a working age (16 - 65 years old) benefit claimant who is unemployed or economically inactive and need support to enter or re-enter the labour market, the JobStart Scheme provides tailored, flexible, paid job opportunities in a supportive environment to help you improve your skills and experience.

JobStart provides an opportunity to enter the job market by offering six-month job opportunities with a range of employers across all job sectors in Northern Ireland.

For more information and how to apply go to JobStart Scheme

What employers need to know about JobStart

Employers in Northern Ireland can receive 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage (determined by the participant's age group) for up to 25 hours of work per week along with the associated employer National Insurance contributions, and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. Participants in the JobStart Scheme will be supported through their job opportunity by Work Coaches in their local Jobs & Benefits office.

For more information for Employers and how to apply go to JobStart

The Electrical Switchgear Academy with Vertiv will be live for applications from 9.00am on Monday the 24th of November 2025.  Closing date for applications is, noon on Monday the 29th of December 2025.

For further information and to apply, please visit the following link: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/electrical-switchgear-academy

The Welding Academy will be live for applications from Monday 8th December 2025.  Closing date for applications is noon on Monday 5th January 2026.

For further information and to apply, please visit the following link: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/welding-academy

The AI & Data Academy with EY will be live for applications from Monday the 15th of December 2025.  Closing date for applications is, noon on Monday the 19th of January 2026.

For further information and to apply, please visit the following link: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/ai-and-data-academy-ey

The Healthcare Assistant Academy will be live for applications from Monday 15th December 2025.  Closing date for applications is noon on Friday 09th January 2026.

 For further information and to apply, please visit the following link https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/healthcare-assistant-academy

The Early Learning and Childcare Academy will be live for applications from Monday 15th December 2025.  Closing date for applications is noon on Friday 16th January 2026.

For further information and to apply, please visit the following link https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/early-learning-and-childcare-academy

Are you aged 16 – 65 and currently unemployed?

Are you finding it difficult to get a job due to lack of experience? Do you want to change career but are not sure what job role may be right for you?

The Work Experience Programme offers short 2- and 8-week work experience placements with employers across Northern Ireland. There is also the Opportunity Guarantee strand for people aged 16-24, offering longer placement of 13 weeks and the guarantee of an interview for a job or apprenticeship.

The Benefits of WEP

By taking part in a WEP opportunity you will:

·Learn more about specific industries and job roles.

·Try out various tasks in a real work situation.

·Improve your confidence and motivation.

WEP is completely voluntary, and participants will receive a £10/day top-up as well as certain travel and childcare costs. Those in receipt of benefit will retain entitlement to benefits while participating. Those who are not in receipt of benefit are also welcome to participate.

How to Get Involved

If you are in receipt of benefit, you should discuss the Work Experience Programme with your Work Coach. If you are not in receipt of benefit, please contact WorkExperience@communities-ni.gov.uk for further information.

All current WEP vacancies can be found at JobApplyNI