Communities Minister Gordon Lyons visited The Music Yard Arts and Wellbeing Centre in Larne to meet JobStart participant Eamon McElroy. McElroy started there in January as arts and music engagement coordinator, helping instructors with classes for adults with learning disabilities.

The JobStart scheme, launched in October 2025, has drawn 1,086 employers who created more than 1,200 positions. It targets 1,234 working-age benefit claimants and runs until 31 March 2026. Current openings include trainee swimming instructor, horticulture and environment assistant, and first aider for an independent ambulance service. Vacancies appear on www.JobApplyNI.com.

Thomas Hamilton, founder of The Music Yard, stated the scheme enabled training for McElroy, who now supports business operations and class participants.

Eligibility covers those unemployed or on zero-hours contracts for under eight hours weekly while claiming benefits. Applicants contact a Work Coach or local Jobs and Benefits Office.

JobStart began in 2021 to counter COVID-19 effects, first for ages 16-24. Past rounds approved over 4,000 employer applications, placed more than 3,000 participants, with over 2,000 entering jobs and more than 150 advancing to education or training. The Department for Communities has updated it for current economic conditions.