For some, it is the first time they have stepped into an office, workshop, kitchen, lab or engineering environment. For others, it is the first time they have spoken to an employer, tried a task they had never imagined doing, or begun to picture the kind of career they might want in the future.

That is what makes work experience so important.

This year, the Antrim and Newtownabbey Work Experience project created over 250 opportunities for pupils across the Borough. Delivered by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in partnership with Workplus, the project supported both mainstream and SEN schools, helping pupils connect with local employers across a wide range of sectors.

The project was brought to a close with a Celebration Event at the Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim, hosted by the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan. It was a chance to bring together pupils, schools, employers and partners to reflect on what had been achieved — and, most importantly, to hear directly from those who had taken part.

Through the Workplus platform, pupils and schools were able to explore local employers, understand different career pathways, and access work experience opportunities close to home. For many young people, that local connection matters. It helps them see that exciting careers are not abstract or far away; they are available in businesses and organisations in their own community.

At the event, the Mayor spoke about the value of giving all young people the chance to take that first step beyond the classroom:

“Work experience offers a valuable first step beyond the classroom into the world of work. While it can be both exciting and a little daunting, it helps pupils build confidence, develop new skills, meet others, and start thinking about their future.”

That balance of excitement and uncertainty is something we hear often. Starting work experience can feel daunting, but it can also be transformative. A few days in a workplace can change how a young person sees themselves, what they believe they are capable of, and what they think might be possible.

Stefanie Smyth, Careers Lead at Parkhall Integrated College, captured this well when she said:

“The work experience programme gives our pupils access to opportunities and employers they wouldn’t have by themselves. It opens up the world of work to them in a meaningful way.”

One of the highlights of the celebration was hearing from pupils themselves. Jenson, from Rosstulla School, shared his experience at Nando’s:

“At Nando’s we did a bit of everything! Work experience teaches you how to get a job when you’re older.”

That simple reflection says so much. Work experience is not only about observing a workplace. It is about learning what employers look for, understanding how teams work, developing confidence, and beginning to build the skills that will matter in later life.

Employers also gained from taking part. Grainne Donnelly, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Sensata Technologies, reflected on the importance of opening up workplaces to local pupils:

“As a local employer, it was great to be part of this project and let local pupils see the many aspects of an engineering company. We also talked the young people through what employers are looking for, what makes a good application and the many career opportunities available.”

That employer perspective is a vital part of the project. When businesses take the time to welcome young people, explain what they do and share what career pathways look like, they are helping to build the future workforce. They are also helping pupils make more informed choices about subjects, training, apprenticeships, further education, higher education and employment.

For us at Workplus, this project is about creating connections. It is about making sure opportunities are visible, accessible and meaningful. It is about supporting schools, encouraging employers, and helping young people take those first steps towards their future.

The Celebration Event was a reminder of what can happen when local government, schools and employers work together with a shared commitment to young people. Over 250 opportunities were created this year — but behind that number are individual pupils who have grown in confidence, discovered new possibilities and experienced the world of work for themselves.

That is worth celebrating.