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 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

Ards and North Down Job Fair, Thursday 19 March 2026

Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex, Newtownards

The above event is scheduled to run from 11am to 12pm.

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 30 employers will take part and be on hand to answer questions and discuss employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

There will be jobs available in Health and Social Care, Hospitality, Cleaning, Construction, Public Sector, Retail and many more.

Everyone is welcome and admission is free.

Below are some of the Employers who will be exhibiting at the event:

Employer                                                   Sector

2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment     Armed Forces

Abbey Autoline                                           Apprenticeships

Avon Cosmetics                                          Retail

Caremark NI                                                Health Care, Social Care

Crossroads Care NI                                     Charity, Social Care

Harland and Wolff Navantia UK                  Construction

Honeycomb Jobs                                        Administration

Momentum Media NI Ltd                           Sales, Marketing

OCS Group Limited                                     Cleaning

Pipersfield Ltd ta McDonald's Dundonald  Hospitality

Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd                      Public Sector

Quality Care Services CCH Group               Health Care, Social Care

Royal Air Force HM                                     Armed Forces

Rutledge Recruitment                                 Recruitment

Staffline Recruitment Ireland                       Recruitment

Sure Rec (NI) Ltd                                          Recruitment

For more information, please contact: dfcemployerservices@communities-ni.gov.uk.

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