Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has seen at first-hand the benefits of the JobStart programme during a recent visit to a Belfast business taking part in the scheme.
K9ndergarten, a dog daycare service based in south Belfast, has used the programme funded by the Department of Communities to create a new job opportunity, with the participant already in post.
During the visit, Minister Lyons heard more about the training and support that is helping people to enter and thrive in the labour market.
The Minister said: “I am pleased to visit K9ndergarten and see how JobStart is already creating good quality work opportunities. This is a prime example of how we are giving businesses access to motivated people eager to gain experience that benefits both the participant and the employer.
“My department aims to support over 1,200 benefit claimants through this latest phase of JobStart and I would encourage more employers to sign up as we look to build on this early success.
“Through this initiative, I am prioritising the provision of employment support to help people overcome the barriers they face moving into, retaining and progressing in employment.”
Since its launch last month, 256 employer applications have been approved with 352 positions currently on offer through the Department’s JobApplyNI website.
Director of K9ndergarten Gary Hazlett said: “The JobStart scheme has been great for us because it has helped us grow and develop the business by bringing new people in and giving us the means to train them up to a high standard. We have also been able to retain some employees who came through JobStart and we are delighted to participate again this year.”
The portal allowing employers to find out more information and to register for the scheme can be accessed through nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/jobstart.
JobStart opportunities for participants are live on the Department for Communities’ JobApplyNI.com website with further opportunities set to be made available in the coming days and weeks.