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
Lisburn and Castlereagh Job Fair on Thursday 26 February 2026 at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Lisburn.
The above event is scheduled to run from 11am to 2.00pm. There will be a Quiet Time 10.30am to 11am. This is a dedicated time for jobseekers who have sensory or communication needs or disabilities who wish to attend the event with noise reduction and reduced crowds. Attendees can approach event staff to request extra support to speak to exhibitors.
More than 70 employers will take part and be on hand to answer questions and discuss employment and apprenticeship opportunities.
There will be jobs available in Hospitality, Health & Social Care, Administration, Manufacturing, Public Sector, Engineering, Security, Childcare and many more.
Everyone is welcome and admission is free.
Below are some of the Employers who will be exhibiting at the event:
Company Name - Sector
2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment - Armed Forces
Advanced Care Services - Care/Carers
AG Paving and Building Products - Construction
Armed Forces Careers office - Armed Forces
Autism Initiatives - Charity/Social Care
Avon - Self Employment
Balloo Hire Centres - Service
Bidvest Noonan - Facilities Management
Bluestones staffing - Recruitment
Briggs Equipment - Engineering
Caremark NI - Health Care/Social Care
Carryduff Playcare - Childcare/Social Care
Concentrix - Customer Service
Creative Composites UK Ltd - Automotive/Automotive and Manufacturing
Decora Blind Systems - Manufacturing
Driver hire Belfast - Recruitment
Edgar Shopfitting Limited - Construction
Education Authority Cleaning - Education
Eventsec - Security
Flexform Ltd - Manufacturing
Forever Living Products - Recruitment
G4S - Security
Greentown Co - Infrastructure services and maintenance
HarmonI - Charity/Social Care
Harmony CCS Ltd. - Care/Carers
Hays - Construction
HCLTech - Customer Service
Healthcare Ireland - Health Care/Social Care
HSCNI Fostering & Adoption NI SEHSCT - Childcare/Social Care
Industrial Temps - Recruitment
Jark Downpatrick - Health Care/Social Care
JMC Restaurants t/a McDonald's - Hospitality
Johnsons Belfast - Manufacturing
La Mon Hotel & Country Club - Hospitality
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council - Public Sector
MACS Supporting Children and Young People - Charity/Social Care
McCulla Ireland - Transport/Logistics and Warehousing
McKinstry Skip Hire - Recycling
Mercury Security & Facilities Management - Security
Natural World Products - Recycling
NIMDTA (Northern Ireland Medical & Dental Training Agency) - Administration
Nu-Gen Healthcare - Health Care/Social Care
Optimum Care Group - Care/Carers
Peartree Barn Nursery - Childcare/Social Care
PK Murphy Construction Ltd - Construction
Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd - Public Sector
Police Service NI - Public Sector
Quality Care Services - CCH Group - Care/Carers
Riverridge - Transport/Logistics/and Warehousing
Royal Air Force - HM Forces
Royal Mail - Logistics/Transport and Distribution
Royal Navy/Royal Navy Reserve - HM Forces
Rutledge Recruitment - Recruitment
Securitas Security Services - Security
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust - Health Care/Social Care
Staffline Recruitment - Recruitment Agency
Sure Rec (NI) Ltd - Recruitment
TFG London - Retail
The Agnew Group - Automotive Manufacturing
The CWC Group - Health Care/Social Care
The Recruitment Co - Administration
Triangle Housing Association - Charity/Social Care
TrustFord - Sales/Marketing
For more information, please contact dfcemployerservices@communities-ni.gov.uk
The Welding Academy is now live for applications from Monday 23 February 2026. Closing date for applications is noon on Friday 20 March 2026.
For further information and to apply, please visit: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/welding-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