People 1st Lurgan Students gain valuable insights onto the local job market on their visit to Lurgan Job and Benefits Office
LURGAN, CO. ARMAGH – March 31, 2026
Yesterday, March 30th, People 1st Students visited Lurgan Job and Benefits Office for an immersive visit designed to equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the local employment landscape. These students are aged 16-22 and are enrolled on the Skills for Life and Work programme which is our specialised programme for school leavers who want a more practical alternative to A-Levels https://people-1st.co.uk/programmes/skills-for-life-and-work-2/
The educational visit provided the students with a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at all aspects of employment support. Job finding coach Joan Skelton and her dedicated team hosted the group, generously giving their time to walk the students through the wide array of services available to job seekers in the community.
The visit offered students a valuable behind-the-scenes look at the services available to local jobseekers and helped them better understand how these supports can make a real difference when taking the next steps towards work. Joan Skelton and her team warmly welcomed the group and took the time to explain the many ways they assist people in finding employment, building confidence and overcoming barriers along the way.
Supporting People 1st Students – Lurgan Job and Benefits Office
A key part of the People 1st Lurgan Job and Benefits Office visit was helping students see that support is always available, even when challenges arise. As young people begin to think seriously about their future careers, it is important for them to know where they can turn for practical guidance, reassurance and advice. The visit highlighted that professional help is available locally for everything from job searching and interview preparation to confidence building and identifying the right opportunities.
During the visit, students were able to engage directly with staff and ask questions about the world of work. They learned more about how job coaches help match candidates with suitable vacancies, what employers are looking for in today’s job market and the importance of staying proactive and open-minded when exploring career options. This real-life insight helped bring employability learning to life in a practical and meaningful way.
For many students, the experience was especially valuable because it showed them that employment support is not something to be nervous about, but something to make use of with confidence. The People 1st students vist to Lurgan Job and Benefits Office reinforced the message that no one has to navigate the journey into employment alone. Having access to experienced coaches and local support services can make the process feel much less daunting and far more achievable.
How the Lurgan Job and Benefits Office Supports Young Jobseekers
As People 1st Students visit Lurgan Job and Benefits Office, the central theme of the visit was resilience and preparation. As young people transition from education into the workforce, it is vital that they know exactly where to turn when they encounter “bumps in the road.” Whether facing a sudden career change, seeking interview preparation, or needing guidance on skill development, the visit emphasised that professional, compassionate support is readily available right on their doorstep.
Helping Students Build Confidence for Employment in Lurgan
During the visit, the students engaged directly with the coaching staff, learning about:
● Tailored Job Finding Support: How coaches match candidates with local opportunities.
● Overcoming Obstacles: Where to go and who to speak to when facing challenges or gaps in employment.
● Practical Career Skills: Insights into what modern employers are looking for and how the Job and Benefits Office bridges the gap between candidates and businesses.
Sarah Champ, Employability Tutor at People 1st Lurgan, said the visit was a really positive experience for the students and an important part of helping them prepare for life beyond the classroom. By seeing first-hand how the Job and Benefits Office supports individuals in the local community, students were able to build their awareness, ask questions and develop a stronger understanding of the help available to them in the future.
“We are incredibly grateful to Joan Skelton and her entire team at the Lurgan Job and Benefits Office for opening their doors to our students. Understanding that there is a dedicated team of coaches ready to help them through the inevitable ups and downs of their career journeys is incredibly empowering for these young adults. It takes the fear out of job hunting and replaces it with a proactive, supported approach.”
Sarah Champ, Employablity Tutor for People 1st Lurgan
A Valuable Visit for People 1st Lurgan Students
Visits like this play an important role in preparing young people for the realities of employment and giving them the confidence to take their next steps. As well as learning about practical job-finding support, students also gained reassurance that there are local people and services ready to help them through any setbacks, changes or uncertainty they may face along the way
By experiencing the Job and Benefits environment firsthand, the People 1st students left with not only a better understanding of the local job market but also the confidence to utilize these vital community services in the future. Thank you to Joan and the team and to People 1st tutor Sarah for this incredibly useful visit!
You can find out more and contact the Lurgan Jobs and Benefits office on this link below:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/lurgan-jobs-benefits-office
a female resident of the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area
