Ready2Work Academy Supports SEN School Leavers Into Employment

Ready2Work Academy Helps SEN School Leavers Build Workplace Confidence

The Ready2Work Academy has helped a group of SEN school leavers develop practical skills, confidence and real workplace experience.

A special showcase café event took place on Friday 15 May, giving ten young people the chance to demonstrate what they had learned during the five-day academy.

The event was delivered with support from Tuition Time in Whitehead and the local Labour Market Partnership.

Hands-On Café Experience In Whitehead

During the showcase, students served customers and helped manage a real café environment.

This gave them a valuable opportunity to practise key workplace skills, including:

• Customer service
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Confidence building
• Timekeeping
• Problem-solving

The event marked an important milestone as the students prepare for the transition from education into employment.

Supporting SEN School Leavers Into Meaningful Work

The Ready2Work Academy is designed to support SEN school leavers who want to prepare for work.

It offers flexible, structured support to help participants build essential employability skills through practical experience.

The programme aims to remove barriers, build confidence and provide tailored guidance for young people exploring future career paths.

Funded Through Labour Market Partnerships

The initiative was supported by the Department for Communities through Labour Market Partnerships.

Labour Market Partnerships help develop targeted employment action plans in council areas. They bring local and regional partners together to help people prepare for and access meaningful work.

Mayor Praises Young People Taking Part

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said:

“The confidence and enthusiasm of the young people who took part in the Ready2Work academy is fantastic to see. Having the opportunity to develop valuable skills in a supportive, hands-on environment truly makes a real difference to SEN school leavers.”

He added that initiatives like this help open doors to meaningful employment and brighter futures.

Useful Links

• Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
• Department for Communities NI
• Labour Market Partnerships Information
• Tuition Time Whitehead Facebook Page

Businesses across Mid and East Antrim are encouraged to support initiatives that help young people gain confidence, experience and opportunities in the workplace.