News

Mid & East Antrim Graduate Build Launch

Wednesday 20 November 2024

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to launch ‘Graduate Build’ in partnership with Disability Action – aimed at supporting graduates with disabilities, who are resident in MEA, to help them find their ideal job or career.

Heather Logan and Janice Crawley from Disability Action with MEABC Economic Development Officer Sean Keenan.

Implemented through the Labour Market Partnership, Graduate Build helps MEA residents with disabilities who are graduates, and are either unemployed, underemployed or furthest from the labour market to achieve their ideal career pathway.

Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

Participants will receive 1:2:1 bespoke mentoring from Disability Action’s local Employment Officer and access to tailored work placements with local employers. Participants will also access accredited qualifications through the IBM Skills Build initiative - built specifically by and for graduates and delivered by Specialisterne, who are specialists in supporting people who are autistic and neurodivergent to get into jobs and lasting careers.

Graduate Build invites local employers of all sizes across MEA to get involved by offering 6-week or 12-week work placements, and in return receiving bespoke advice and support from Disability Action and Specialisterne’s local employment experts. 

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, said: “This is an excellent initiative to help any MEA graduates with disabilities who are experiencing barriers, to realise their job and career goals. By working together, we can create a brighter future for graduates with disabilities and ensure they have the opportunity to flourish in their chosen roles. I hope all individuals and businesses who are interested sign up and find out more.”

Heather Logan Disability Action’s Graduate Build Manager added: “We are delighted to bring our experience to directly help graduates with disabilities, who haven’t yet secured the right job or career. With our 1:2:1 mentoring, access to placements with local employers and the support of the IBM Skills Build initiative via our delivery partner Specialisterne, we are confident that everyone will get on the right career path for them.”

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Diversity Ambassador, Lesley Kerr, comments: “This is an exciting opportunity for residents to pursue career progression pathways. Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network of officers look forward to receiving regular updates and cheering on the success of this initiative.

“The EDI Network are thrilled to see Disability Action and Specialisterne at the heart of Graduate Build to champion people with disabilities and help employers recognise what an asset disabled and neurodivergent employees can be.”  

To be eligible for Graduate Build participants must be:

  • Graduates in any discipline (including postgraduates)
  • Have a disability or disabilities
  • Live in the Mid and East Antrim Council Area
  • Be either unemployed, underemployed, or economically inactive.

To register your interest to take part or to offer a placement if you are an MEA employer please contact: