Unlock your potential with our Ready to Work programme! We’re dedicated to helping people with disabilities find the right job and build a fulfilling career. Our services include education, training, skill development, and in-work support, all tailored to meet your unique needs, abilities, and potential.
Ready to Work is designed for people with disabilities who aren’t yet ready for work or who face barriers to entering the labour market. Our Ready to Work programme will focus on collaborating with employers to enhance their understanding and capability to hire, retain, and promote employees with disabilities.
The Objectives of the Ready to Work Programme are:
- To improve the employment prospects of people with disabilities who are currently distant from the labour market.
- To encourage and support employers to recruit, retain and progress people with disabilities and promote the benefits of creating a more inclusive workplace.
- To facilitate new partnerships amongst stakeholders (people with disabilities, disability services, employment services and employers).
- To assist people with disabilities to develop the confidence, independence, and skills required to participate in training and meaningful employment through one-to-one mentoring and small group activities.
- To support and encourage education and training providers and local employment services to support the progression of people with disabilities.
The Ready To Work (WorkAbility) – Inclusive Pathways to Employment programme runs from
2024 to 2028, it is co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under the Employment,
Inclusion, Skills, and Training Programme (EIST) 2021-2027 and the Department of Social
Protection (DSP) and is administered by Pobal.
Further information about Workability: WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme – Pobal
Are you ready to advance your career? Ready to Work for jobseekers offers free, tailored support and mentoring for people with disabilities. Our services include personalised job coaching, workplace readiness training, advocacy with local businesses, and various workshops to enhance employability skills.
- The Ready To Work programme is for anyone with a disability, it is free of charge and will not affect any benefits or services you are currently receiving.
- Participants on the Ready to Work programme can work a maximum of 8 hours per week.
- The programme offers one-to-one tailored support and mentoring through job coaching. This will include exploring education, training, and skills needed for various careers based on your personal interests.
- We offer a range of support such as confidence building, self-awareness, career guidance, personal action planning, job searching, interview skills and CV preparation.
- Programme participants can engage in optional employability-related individual or small group training events.
- Our Ready To Work team will connect you with local employers and provide ongoing individualised support until the agreed end date of your programme participation.
Self-Declaration of Disability
Participants with a disability are defined under the EIST Programme, as persons with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments, which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Are you an employer currently recruiting staff? Hiring people with disabilities provides access to a skilled and motivated workforce, enhancing diversity and boosting revenue. This also fosters an inclusive environment for all.
Adaptations are often inexpensive, with grants available. Employers will benefit from ongoing support and training from the Ready To Work Team.
Benefits of engaging in the Ready to Work Programme:
- A diverse and inclusive workforce made up of people with different abilities and skill sets.
- The Ready To Work Team will support businesses to recruit people with disabilities and provide ongoing support and training for employers.
- Adapting your premises for people with disabilities is easy and, in most cases, inexpensive, with grants available. Adapted premises will improve access for all customers and can boost business.
- Diversity training is available for all employers through Ready To Work.
- Employers and their staff can gain new perspectives on running a more inclusive business.
Our Ready to Work: Inclusive Pathways to Employment programme is available to people with disabilities living in the SWMDC main area of operations of south and west Mayo.
For more information, please contact:
| Ann Marie Jordan | Employment Liaison | 086 203 2975 | amjordan@southmayo.com |
| Damien Hughes | Employment Specialist | 086 136 5037 | dhughes@southmayo.com |
| Deirdre McDonnell | Employment Specialist | 086 203 6881 | dmcdonnell@southmayo.com |
We are now accepting referrals for the Ready To Work programme, please fill in your details below:
About the Programme
The Empowered Enterprise Programme is a practical and supportive entrepreneurship course created specifically for disabled people who want to start, develop, or grow their own business.
The programme was originally launched in 2021 by Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and is coordinated by Professor Thomas Cooney, a recognised expert in entrepreneurship. It was designed to support disabled people in exploring self-employment and developing the skills needed to become successful business owners.
The programme helps participants build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to succeed in business. Whether you have a new business idea or are already self-employed, the course provides guidance on business planning, marketing, finance, and business growth.
For the past two years, the programme has been delivered through South West Mayo Development Company’s Ready To Work Supported Employment and Social Enterprise Programme in partnership with Reskill Ireland. Together, we provide tailored support that recognises the unique strengths, experiences, and ambitions of disabled entrepreneurs.
How the Course is Delivered
The Empowered Enterprise Programme is delivered over 9 weeks, with one 2-hour session each week.
The programme uses a flexible blended learning approach, making it accessible and convenient for participants with different needs and schedules.
Participants benefit from:
- In-person workshops providing practical learning, networking opportunities, and hands-on business support.
- Access to a free online learning platform, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and revisit course materials whenever needed.
- Peer support and mentoring, helping participants connect with others, share experiences, and receive guidance from mentors.
- Guest speakers and industry experts, including representatives from the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), the Department of Social Protection, and disabled entrepreneurs who share real-life experiences and practical business advice.
This combination of learning, mentoring, and networking helps participants develop their business skills while building valuable support networks.
Online Learning Platform
Participants also gain access to the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) E-Learning Platform, which offers a wide range of additional business training and resources.
The platform provides access to:
- Online business courses
- Webinars and workshops
- Learning materials and practical business tools
- Resources on business planning, marketing, sales, finance, customer service, and more
These resources can be used throughout the programme and beyond to support participants as they continue their business journey.
Contact Details:
Olivia Okitterick – okitterick@southmayo.com | 087 060 4724
Ann Marie Jordan – amjordan@southmayo.com | 086 203 297
SUBMIT AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST:
If you are interested in starting or growing your own business and would like to learn more about the Empowered Enterprise Programme, we encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest.
Registering your interest is the first step towards accessing tailored business support, valuable learning opportunities, and a network of people who can help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals.
We look forward to supporting you on your business journey.
