A total of 48 people from across Lisburn and Castlereagh have completed two council-backed employability programmes, with 28 of them moving into jobs or further education.

The Thrive Programme and the Accessible Apprenticeship Programme were delivered through the local Labour Market Partnership, a collaboration between Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, the Department for Communities and the social enterprise Stepping Stones NI.

A celebration event on 9 June brought together participants, delivery partners and employers to mark the completion of the initiatives, which targeted individuals facing additional barriers to employment.

Alderman James Baird, chair of the council’s Regeneration and Growth Committee, described the programmes as creating more inclusive routes into work and helping to build a society where everyone can reach their potential.

Paula Jennings, chief executive of Stepping Stones NI, said the schemes had enabled participants to gain confidence, develop skills and take steps toward greater independence. She added that the outcomes reflected strong partnership working and the commitment of all involved.

The Labour Market Partnership develops targeted employment action plans for the council area and is jointly funded by the Department for Communities and the local authority. The council said it remains focused on delivering programmes that promote inclusive growth and create opportunities for local people.