Schools Inspo Programme

The Labour Market Partnership (LMP) provides funding to schools/organisations for career-related activities through the INSPO Programme. This initiative is designed to inspire school-age residents and support students at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).

The programme specifically targets students at risk of leaving education without a clear pathway to further education, training, or employment.

The LMP can provide additional support or adjustments on request to ensure students fully benefit from the programme.

Funding is available to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

• Schools
• Organisations who engage with school pupils.
• Students from Year 12 and above.

Individual student applications will not be accepted.

• Transport costs for visits to local employers to showcase career opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, and more.
• Transport costs for visits to education providers or career events offering information on routes into employment.

• One-on-one or group career guidance sessions.

• CV writing assistance.

• Interview skills training and mock interviews.

The LMP can also provide familiarisation visits or events incorporating speakers from local employment sectors, highlighting available careers and entry routes into local employment sectors e.g. nursing, manufacturing, hospitality.

Applicants can request visits or speakers for specific sectors of interest.

• Complete the online application form with all required information.  Incomplete applications will not be processed until all necessary information is provided.
• Provide at least one month’s notice before the planned event or activity.
• Provide post-event information to allow the LMP to measure programme outcomes.
• The LMP will endeavour to respond to applications within one week.

Please note that although there is no close date for funding applications, funding is limited and cannot be guaranteed.  It is therefore recommended that funding applications are submitted as far in advance as possible for the school year.

The programme’s effectiveness will be monitored using an Outcome-Based Accountability model with measurable outcomes and indicators.

Monitoring information must be provided via templates provided by the LMP. This will include questions such as:

• Did you receive 1-to-1 career guidance at this event?
• Do you feel better informed about your career options and pathways after attending this event?
• Do you have a better awareness of local careers and routes to employment after attending this event?
• How would you rate your overall satisfaction with the event/workshop?

Applicants must ensure that monitoring information is collected and returned promptly.  If monitoring information is not returned it may preclude applicants from applying for funding in the future.