Employers, educators and community partners recently gathered in Newry for an Employer Engagement Breakfast hosted by St Paul’s High School and Bolster Community, highlighting the importance of creating inclusive pathways into employment for young people with additional needs.

The event showcased An Droichead, a partnership between St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook and Bolster Community that supports young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) to build independence skills, gain valuable workplace experience and progress towards apprenticeships, training and employment. The project has been delivered with support from the Department for the Economy’s Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund.
The morning also provided an opportunity to thank the many local businesses who have supported the programme by offering work placements. By opening their doors, these employers have given young people the chance to experience real workplaces and begin exploring their future options at a crucial stage as they prepare to move beyond secondary education.

A highlight of the event was a short film created by the young people themselves, sharing their personal journeys through the programme and their hopes for future training and employment.

Guests also heard directly from Maeve Robb, who spoke about her journey into employment and what the opportunity has meant to her.

Ciaran Hughes of Hughes Nisa Camlough shared his experience as an employer supporting people with learning disabilities and spoke about the positive impact inclusive employment has had on his business. Reflecting on Maeve’s contribution, he said: “Maeve never lets you down. She brings so much to the team and to the experience of our customers.”

Attendees also heard from partners including Exact Group, Southern Regional College and Work Plus, who outlined the practical supports available to employers interested in creating inclusive workplaces and apprenticeship opportunities.

Closing the event, Marion McMahon of St Paul’s High School reflected on the importance of strong partnerships between education, employers and community organisations in creating real opportunities for young people. She also highlighted the long-term value of initiatives like An Droichead, noting that the cost of delivering programmes of this nature is less than the cost to society of just three young people remaining economically inactive for a year.

She added that when employers step forward to offer placements and opportunities, they are not only helping young people build confidence and independence, but also contributing to a stronger, more inclusive workforce for the future.