Finding employment

Advice for jobseekers

If you are a jobseeker or job changer, advice on all aspects of jobseeking is available on nidirect.gov.uk.

You can access a wide range of current employment opportunities by visiting JobApplyNI.com, our dedicated website for advertising job vacancies, used by many different employers. You will find full-time, part-time and casual vacancies across many different sectors and occupational areas.

If you need further information on any of the jobs advertised or you want to speak to someone you can visit your local Jobs & Benefits office. You can also get information about on job trends, education and training opportunities as well as translation and interpretation facilities.

JobStart

If you are a working age (16 – 65 years old) benefit claimant who is unemployed or economically inactive and need support to enter or re-enter the labour market, the JobStart Scheme provides tailored, flexible, paid job opportunities in a supportive environment to help you improve your skills and experience.

Find out more on nidirect.gov.uk - JobStart Scheme  

Work Experience Programme

The Work Experience Programme (WEP) offers short term work experience placements for participants aged 16-65 to gain practical knowledge of a working environment.

The aim of the programme is to enable participants to develop a range of both employability and occupational skills that can help them with their career aspirations. Participants can learn more about specific industries and job roles to help them make more informed choices about their future career.

The programme can also improve participant’s overall confidence and motivation skills and the opportunity to meet new people and gain social skills through interaction with colleagues.

Find out more on nidirect.gov.uk - Work Experience Programme 

Labour Market Partnerships (LMP)

LMP is a collaborative approach to co-designing and co-commissioning a sustainable, strategic employment offer which provides a tailored level of support proportionate to need. This collaborative approach involves local government, local experts and local practitioners.

The LMP model consists of 11 local partnerships aligned with Council areas within Northern Ireland utilising existing Community Planning structures and relationships. LMP is a flexible and innovative scheme that meets regional objectives whilst being flexible enough to also meet the needs of a changing local labour market, including those of local employers.

You can find out more information by contacting Labour Market Partnerships, or alternatively, you can find out more about the local LMP in your area by clicking on the relevant link below.

• Antrim & Newtownabbey
• Ards & North Down
• Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon
• Belfast
• Causeway, Coast & Glens
• Londonderry/Derry & Strabane
• Fermanagh & Omagh
• Lisburn & Castlereagh
• Mid & East Antrim
• Mid Ulster
• Newry, Mourne & Down

Help for people with disabilities and health conditions

If you have a disability or your health significantly affects the kind of work you can do, a Work Coach based in your local Jobs & Benefits office can help you to access our Health and Work Support Branch and Work Psychology Services. A full range of advice for people with disabilities is available on nidirect.gov.uk.

Latest jobs on JobApplyNI

Our dedicated website, JobApplyNI.com, reaches a wide weekly audience, advertising current job vacancies throughout Northern Ireland, as well as vacancies in the cross border regions of the Republic of Ireland.

The site is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is currently advertising available employment opportunities. Major recruitment opportunities are also clearly highlighted in the ‘latest news’ section of the homepage.

The benefits of registering a free account on JobApplyNI

By registering with JobApplyNI.com you can apply for vacancies directly to employers by uploading and sending your CV or completed application form online. You can also target your search for jobs in a specific sector or search all available vacancies.

CVs, Cover Letters & Interview Tips

For advice on writing CVs and cover letters and tips on questions you may be asked at an interview, view the latest guidance on nidirect.

Health and Work Support Branch

The Department's Health and Work Support Branch (HWSB) provides a comprehensive package of support measures, aimed at helping people with a full range of disabilities to progress towards, move into and sustain paid employment.

The Condition Management Programme (CMP) is a voluntary programme aimed at people with a health condition which may impact their ability to start or stay in work. The programme is primarily for those receiving Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment & Support Allowance.

Anyone who is employed and is being supported by the Department’s in-work programmes, Workable (NI) or Access to Work (NI), can also avail of CMP to help them remain in work, or return to work if they are on sick absence.

• Work schemes and employment programmes for people with disabilities (nidirect)

Work Psychology Services

Our Work Psychology Services (WPS) offer advice and guidance in areas relating to work, disability and health. 

If you have a health condition or disability, WPS can offer an employment assessment to help identify the impact of your condition, your strengths and abilities for work or training. This will help you make decisions about appropriate job goals, the steps you need to progress into work and support needed to retain work.

Support for older workers

A Midlife MOT digital information hub is available to help older workers with financial planning and to help them access retraining opportunities as well as ensuring they can access necessary health services they require. 

To access this information see Digital Midlife MOT (Gov.UK).

Careers Service

The Careers Service provides an impartial, all-age careers information, advice and guidance service, to help young people, parents and adults make informed choices about their future career paths. Professionally qualified careers advisers are based in Careers Resource Centres and Jobs & Benefits offices throughout Northern Ireland. 

Further information about the Careers Service is available on nidirect.gov.uk