Pilot project for business push

‘Enhancing employability’ is the key focus of a new partnership between Carrickfergus Borough Council and the Ulster Business School.

Eleven participants engaged in the initiative and are now on track to receive a Certificate in Personal and Professional Development awarded by the University of Ulster.

Delivered through a series of workshops and mentoring sessions, the programme enables participants to undertake assessment of their careers to date, to identify new opportunities and to create a personal development and business plans.

Dorothy McKee, course director for the programme at the Business Institute, stated, “Eleven of the tutors who worked with the participants were struck by their level of commitment to the programme and to how they ensured they put the learning from the programme to positive use.

“Through an interim evaluation the course participants have acknowledged the considerable benefit they have gained from the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, to share experiences and ideas and to get endorsement for their own career plans. We now hope they will use their business ideas to create a number of value added and sustainable businesses within the local community.”

The Mayor, Alderman Billy Ashe, added: “Getting our citizens into meaningful employment is of strategic importance and I urge people to take advantage of opportunities such as this.”