The Transformational Impact of Employment

In this episode of Workplus, Richard Kirk speaks with Michael, a senior leader at Belfast City Council, about his journey from the Glens of Antrim to global consultancy, and now to reshaping lives through employment academies. Michael shares how his personal and professional path informs his work helping others access meaningful employment. His story is one of resilience, humility, and the power of a first job.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Employment can be a life-changing milestone that opens up new possibilities
• Michael's early life on a farm instilled a strong work ethic and teamwork mindset
• His experience in consultancy shaped a global perspective on employability
• The shift to Belfast City Council was driven by a desire to create local impact
• Employment academies offer practical alternatives to traditional education pathways
• Non-statutory, flexible models can better support overlooked jobseekers
• Strong collaboration with employers is key to academy success
• Aftercare support is crucial to long-term employment outcomes
• AI may shift tasks but core transversal skills remain vital
• A first job is often the gateway to broader life ambitions

BEST MOMENTS
00:03:11. “I just think of myself as a little boy in short trousers when I started, really, and I was so grateful for the opportunity.”
00:04:12. “There was a compatibility challenge around all of that, which made me consider my options.”
00:06:45. “The degree was the Holy Grail. The degree got you to a place of where you were deemed employable.”
00:08:32. “The idea of apprenticeships in particular is something that appeals to me hugely.”
00:13:29. “Our commitment to them is that we will take them from where they're out at the moment to a position of having secured a job interview.”
00:20:40. “Our ambition actually is to make this available to everyone.”
00:33:17. “It allowed you to start to think about yourself, in a different way. It allowed you to mix with different people.”

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