Ballyclare Enterprise and Employability Project

The initiative will focus on local people who are currently unemployed and economically inactive, with particular support for young people aged between 18–30 years, women, and social economy enterprises.

LEDCOM, in partnership with Antrim Enterprise Agency, with support from Ballyclare Community Concerns and Mallusk Enterprise Park have been appointed by the council to manage and deliver the ‘Ballyclare Enterprise and Employability Project’.

“This initiative is another example of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s long term commitment to sustainable economic development in Ballyclare and across the borough”, said the Mayor, Cllr John Scott. The project has the enthusiastic support of all the Ballyclare area councillors who attended the launch.

Running from January 25 to March 14 2017, the ‘Ballyclare Enterprise and Employability Project’ will provide a range of practical support including free one-to-one advice, information and mentoring and group development workshops – all held in Ballyclare Community Concerns’ Foundry House building on the Doagh Road. A Ballyclare Jobs Fair - in the Town Hall – is planned for March 2 2017 where employment and training opportunities will be highlighted for the Ballyclare area.

The initiative will provide access to upskilling opportunities, employability support, self-employment support and social enterprise support to help individuals concerned about unemployment, including those made redundant from recent plant closures.

“The support on offer is designed to help local people take the next step to get the necessary skills to return to work or start up in business”, said Emma Stubbs, Economic and Rural Development Manager of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

LEDCOM and Antrim Enterprise Agency’s combined track record and approach in the project provides the practical knowledge, understanding and expertise needed to assist the Ballyclare community.

The project builds on research and consultations during the LEDCOM delivered Employability and Enterprise Week in Ballyclare during March 2016. This week included consultation research and interviews with a number of local employers and individuals. Research showed that 43 per cent of respondents were very concerned about the economy and employment prospects in the Ballyclare area.

The Ballyclare Enterprise and Employability Project is one of the council’s responses to those concerns.

Further information is available from Laura McCourt at LEDCOM on 028 2826 9973 or email [email protected]