Changing lives for local residents!
Supporting Local People Into Employment with the Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership and People 1st Employment Academy Ards and North Down
Across Newtownards, Comber and the wider Ards region, more people are accessing new opportunities through targeted employment support programmes.
Delivered in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council, the People 1st Employment Academies are helping individuals build confidence, gain qualifications, and move directly into employment.
These employment programmes are designed to support people at all stages-whether returning to work, changing careers, or starting fresh in a new country.
One recent success story highlights just how powerful this support can be.
Employment academy Ards and North Down…
A Journey That Began With Uncertainty
For Liudmyla, her journey began during maternity leave.
Having recently moved to Northern Ireland, she faced multiple barriers:
- Limited knowledge of the local job market
- Lack of confidence in English
- No experience with CV writing or interviews in the UK
“I didn’t know where to look for a job or how to prepare for interviews.”
Like many people in the Ards and North Down area, she needed guidance, structure, and support.
That’s when she discovered People 1st and the employment academy in Ards and North Down
The Role of Employment Academies in Ards & North Down
People 1st Academies are designed to bridge the gap between unemployment and real job opportunities.
Funded through local council partnerships, these programmes offer:
- Short, focused training courses
- Industry-relevant qualifications
- CV and interview preparation
- Direct links to local employers
Importantly, they also provide ongoing mentoring and support—something that sets them apart from traditional training routes.
For participants like Liudmyla, this holistic approach is key.
Building Skills and Confidence
From her first session on the employment academy Ards and North Down, Liudmyla began to feel a sense of direction.
Working closely with her tutor, she developed essential employability skills that many people take for granted.
“The course helped me restructure my CV and understand that proper preparation is essential.”
Through mock interviews and practical sessions, she gained the confidence to step into the job market.
This confidence-building element is a core part of People 1st’s approach across Northern Ireland.
Unlocking Career Opportunities with support through the Employment Academy Ards and North Down
One of the most valuable aspects of the Academies programme is its strong connection to local employers.
Participants are not left to search for jobs alone—they are actively supported in finding and applying for roles.
In Liudmyla’s case, this support came from the wider Academies team.
She was introduced to opportunities within local schools and encouraged to consider a career as a classroom assistant.
“I hadn’t found these opportunities myself.”
With guidance, she applied for a role at St Mary’s Primary School.
From Application to Employment
The transition from training to employment was seamless.
With support from People 1st:
- Her CV was tailored for the role
- An interview was arranged
- She was prepared for what to expect
This hands-on support made all the difference.
“Without the programme, I don’t think I would have felt confident enough.”
Shortly after, she secured the position.
The Impact on Individuals and the Local Community
Stories like Liudmyla’s demonstrate the wider impact of employment academy Ards and North Down.
These initiatives:
- Help individuals gain independence
- Support families through stable employment
- Strengthen the local workforce
- Connect employers with motivated candidates
For local councils, investing in programmes like these helps build stronger, more resilient communities.
A Rewarding New Career
Now settled into her role, Liudmyla is thriving.
Working as a classroom assistant, she supports children in their learning and development—something she finds deeply fulfilling.
“Working in a school brings me great joy.”
Her confidence has grown significantly, and she now feels equal to others in her role.
The Importance of Ongoing Support
A key strength of People 1st is the continued support offered even after employment begins.
Participants are not simply placed into jobs and left—they remain connected to a support network.
“I still feel supported by People 1st.”
This long-term approach ensures sustained success for both individuals and employers.
Encouraging Others to Take the First Step
Liudmyla now actively recommends the programme to others.
Her message is simple: don’t underestimate the value of guidance and preparation.
“Many people think writing a CV and passing an interview is easy—I thought so too.”
With the right support, what once feels overwhelming becomes achievable.
Employment Support in Newtownards and Ards & North Down
For anyone living in Newtownards, Comber, or the wider Ards and North Down Borough Council area, opportunities like this are available locally.
People 1st continues to deliver:
- Employability Academies
- Sector-specific training programmes
- Pathways into real jobs
All designed to help people move forward with confidence.
Start Your Journey Today
Whether you’re returning to work, changing careers, or starting fresh, People 1st Academies can provide the support you need. https://people-1st.co.uk/programmes/academies/
From CV writing to job placement, the focus is always on real outcomes.
Just like Liudmyla, your journey could start with one decision.
You can apply to our waiting list here for our next employment academies here below https://forms.gle/ZJ9LL1rnMo72m45T6
If you live in the Ards and North Down area then you can visit their website to find out about what academies are running currently in the borough https://www.andbusiness.co.uk/labour-market-partnership/academies
