A new Derry Inclusive Employment Academy is set to launch across the Derry & Strabane District Council area, providing practical, tailored support for residents who consider themselves to have a mental or physical disability and who are ready to move into employment. The programme will support participants into roles within the IT, Finance and Creative Media sectors, offering recognised qualifications and clear progression routes towards interviews, work placements, and local employment opportunities.
The programme is funded by the Department for Communities through the Derry & Strabane Labour Market Partnership (LMP). Labour Market Partnerships enable councils to develop targeted employment action plans and work collaboratively at local and regional level to support people towards and into sustainable employment.
Delivered in partnership with People 1st, the Inclusive Employment Academy is designed for residents aged 18 years and over who are currently out of work, reside within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, and have the right to work in the UK. The programme aims to reduce barriers to employment by offering structured, flexible, and personalised support tailored to individual needs and career goals.
What will the Derry Inclusive Employment Academy help participants with?
Participants will benefit from a comprehensive package of support, including one-to-one guidance, flexible wrap-around mentoring, and careers advice delivered by the Careers Service. Training and recognised qualifications will be aligned to the specific sector or job role being pursued, alongside the delivery of core employability skills.
The programme also includes job matching, access to work placements or work trials, and a guaranteed interview on completion. To support long-term success, participants who move into employment will receive up to six months of post-employment support, helping to ensure job retention and sustained progression in the workplace.
The Derry Inclusive Academy is welcome news for the area!
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, welcomed the announcement.
“It is fantastic to see another training academy being offered in our city and district. Initiatives like this not only open the door to new employment opportunities but also provide people with the confidence and additional support they need when seeking work. It is encouraging to see our Labour Market Partnership continuing to develop courses such as this, helping to ensure that the Derry and Strabane District remains an inclusive place to live and work — a place that truly is for everyone. I would encourage anyone who meets the criteria to get involved, and I wish all participants every success as they work towards their new qualification.”
Glenn McGarrigle, People 1st, added:
“Academies like this are a great way to begin a new career path, particularly for those who may be unsure where to start. Through the Inclusive Employment Academy, participants will receive practical training, a recognised qualification, and the full support of the People 1st team to help them progress towards interviews, placements, and employment.”
Find out more about the Derry Inclusive Academy
An official launch event will take place on Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 1.00pm in the Verbal Arts Centre, Bishop Street, Derry. Find directions here on how to get to the Verbal Arts Centre below: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bRgPDfsGacuWsSTX6
For further information or to register your interest, please contact Glenn McGarrigle at g.mcgarrigle@people-1st.ie For further information on Derry and Strabane LMP, please visit: www.derrystrabane.com/LMP.
You can also visit the academies page here to find out more case studies and information about past academies: https://people-1st.co.uk/programmes/academies/
