Labels get in the way, disabilities rarely do
Our mission is to assist with the integration of persons with a disability in County Louth into employment in the open labour market leading to independence and career progression and at the same time meeting employers’ labour requirements.
During 2023 we supported 116 jobseekers into employment.
During 2022 we supported 110 jobseekers into employment.
During 2021 we supported 104 jobseekers into employment.
During 2020 we supported 103 jobseekers into employment.
During 2019 we supported 140 jobseekers into employment.
The Co-ordinator manages the day to day running of the service, meets new clients, deals with client queries and links with relevant organisations and employers in the community.
The Job Coach provides specialist employment support to assist the client to find and maintain suitable employment and also to provide support to the employer.
Helen Grant
Co-Coordinator
Phone: 087 638 6885
Email:
Declan Litchfield
Job Coach
Robbie Richardson
Job Coach
Briege Fergus
Office Administrator
Rory Johnston
Dundalk / Drogheda Office
Drogheda Office: Unit 17, Floor 2, Workspace Centre, Mayoralty St, Drogheda, Co. Louth.
Catherine Hughes
Job Coach
Kellie Naughton
Job Coach
Tony Kelly
Job Coach
Yannick Clery
Job Coach
Flo Gas
We have worked with EmployAbility Service Louth for over 2 years and have always found them to be a great resource. We have been impressed with their approach to the hiring process and the caliber of candidates we have hired. They are always willing to support and assist the host company and their candidates, giving them the tools and support they need to succeed in their placements.
Liam - Carlingford
My journey began during a chance meeting with an EmployAbility Job Coach at a job fair in the Fairways Hotel Dundalk.
I was 59 years old and had been through a long period of ill health. Before this, I had spent several years in the tourist industry as a qualified National Tour Director. However, due to my health issues, I could no longer carry out my previous role. At my wit's end, after a prolonged recovery period, I decided to get back out there and see if there was anything suitable to my limited abilities. After a lot of knockbacks, I attended the jobs fair in Dundalk. And was lucky to come upon the EmployAbility Service Louth stand, where I met an excellent Job Coach.
To cut a long story short, the Job Coach was very attentive and was able to source several potential positions to suit my circumstances. He made me feel good about myself and, in an understated way, started to work on my confidence. He had me believing in myself again. Within a few months, he had secured employment for me through a community employment scheme in the tourist office and heritage center in Carlingford, where I live.
He then helped and assisted me in achieving paid work in the Tourist Industry and balancing my CE responsibilities. The Job Coach has been instrumental in helping me balance the two roles. He helps resolve issues before they become problems. He often offered advice and kept me on the "straight and narrow."
To conclude, my experience with EmployAbility Service Louth has been great and very beneficial to me and has helped me get back on an even keel in my life.
Darren - Dundalk
After losing a limb in a severe accident, I had to reevaluate my career options and decided to go back to college. However, I found it difficult to find a suitable workplace after completing my degree at DkIT. The disability officer at DkIT referred me to EmployAbility Service Louth, and from my first meeting with the Job Coach, I had great confidence in his ability to assist me. My Job Coach was excellent at helping me with my CV, job applications, and forms. He was always available to meet with me, provided valuable advice, and taught me how to approach job interviews properly. He set me up with an interview that he thought would be a good fit for me, and he was right. Thanks to his help, I got the job and am incredibly satisfied. He also assisted me with the paperwork and contract of employment and stayed in touch to ensure my happiness with the job. I am grateful for Employability's exceptional service hand cannot thank them enough for their excellent work.
Sam – CCS Cleaning
EmployAbility Service Louth has been a great addition to our recruitment efforts at CCS Cleaning. They have efficiently supplied us with excellent employees in previously difficult locations to recruit. We will continue our working relationship and use their services going forward.'
Vincent – Storage Box Drogheda
The Storage Box, Drogheda, has used the services of EmployAbility Service Louth to fill several vacancies successfully. We have found their service to be helpful to our business.
They offer great support when placing candidates, helping with selection and follow-up checks for ourselves and employees after the placement has started.
EmployAbility Service Louth is a service I would recommend to any local business.
Derek Haughey – Haughey's Pharmacy Dundalk
We have been working with EmployAbility Service Louth recently, and I have to say they are wonderful in what they do. The information and support in navigating the whole process are fantastic for both the employer and the employee. They have been great to deal with, and I would highly recommend their service to anyone.
Donal McGeough – The Windsor Bar & Restaurant
I have been engaging with the EmployAbility service over the last year, and I have found the Job Coach and the team extremely competent and professional. I’m delighted to be able to help provide suitable employment and training to EmployAbility job seekers who might otherwise struggle to gain employment on their own. Any issues or queries I may have had were all dealt with exceptionally well by the Job Coach, who was always in contact to measure the employee's progresses.
Deynna - Drogheda
I was so nervous when I was referred to a job coach for help with finding employment, but was put straight at ease as soon as I met with Kellie. Her support has helped me phenomenally with finding a permanent job and continuous support during said employment. It's really helped my mental health by alleviating some of the pressure with our regular check-ins to discuss if and what other supports are needed.
There are no words to describe how thankful I am!
Anthony - Ardee
I would not hesitate to recommend EmployAbility Service Louth to any person with a disability looking to help secure employment. I have had a very
positive experience with my Job Coach since the start of my journey. He helped me build a very good CV., helped with my Interview skills, and sourced the ideal job for me. I completed a work trial initially, which allowed me to see if the role suited me. I am now working 21 hours per week in a Warehouse Operative job
that I enjoy, which has positively impacted my mental health.
Thanks again to my Job Coach and EmployAbility Service Louth.
ToolFix
We in Toolfix have hired several people through EmployAbility Service Louth over the past ten years. The Job Coach has always job-matched the ideal person for the roles advertised. We have availed of the Wage Subsidy Scheme several times and the job coach has always been very helpful with the administration of this scheme. This is a free service for employers, and we would certainly recommend EmployAbilityService Louth to any employers looking to hire new staff members in the future. The support provided is exceptional.
P&M Contemporary Doors
We at P&M Contemporary Doors Ltd. are delighted to partner with EmployAbility Service Louth recently. The Job Coach was very helpful in providing us with all the information relating to the various grants and support schemes available to us. He has provided us with two staff members who are a good job match for the jobs we had available. They both started on a short work experience, giving us a chance to assess their potential to complete the tasks within the role. We have availed of JobsPlus and the Wage Subsidy Scheme, and the Job Coach was very helpful with the administration of both schemes.
We would have no hesitation in recommending EmployAbility Service Louth to any employer looking to fill vacancies in the future.
Ross - Dundalk
My mental health suffered due to the combined stresses of Covid-19 and finding myself out of work with no immediate prospects of a return to employment.
I tried to return to work in late 2022 but could not stay in a job long-term due to health issues. It was then that I decided to seek the help of EmployAbility Service Louth.I found them very supportive, and while they assured me they would try and find me a job, it would be with full consideration of my health issues.
I met with my Job Coach several times over the next few months, and in late February, I started a role that was arranged for me by my Job Coach.
I was delighted to be able to return to the workplace, and I have settled into my new job. I know going to work each day that it will be a productive day.I am glad that I sought the help of EmployAbility Louth, as they have changed my life for the better.
Lisa - Dundalk
Due to the Covid-19 lockdown, I found myself unemployed and faced difficulties in securing a new job due to my health condition. Fortunately, I discovered EmployAbility Louth, and they matched me with a local pharmacy for a 6-month internship programme. This opportunity was precisely what I needed, and I am delighted to say that after completing the internship, I was offered a part-time job at the pharmacy. I owe my success to the support I got from my Job Coach in EmployAbility Louth.
Darius, Ardee
I couldn't recommend this service enough. The help, encouragement, and support from the EmployAbility Job Coach was excellent. She helped compile my CV, and before every interview, she was always available to prep me. She is always contactable by email. I am now in part-time employment.
Jurgita, Dundalk
Before I started with my Job Coach I had no confidence in returning to employment; since working with her, she has given me the foundations to support me in my employment journey and has always supported me with employment and my own personal development also. The on-going support has pushed me to keep going and has been invaluable to where I am now. I am now in full-time employment as a technical support advisor for the UK's largest broadband provider and enjoying the benefits of job satisfaction and on-going support from her.
Mark, Drogheda
I recently used EmployAbility Service Louth to help me source my new job. My facilitator went above and beyond the call of duty to help me prepare my CV. We considered many jobs together until we both agreed on one that might suit me. I felt quietly confident going into the interview as we had spent several meetings going through interview skills and to help me prepare for my interview, we completed many mock interviews. The good news is I got the job which I am now 3 months in and loving it. My facilitator has told me she is with me for the long haul. She is definitely the reason I secured this job. My advice is to take a chance phone EmployAbility Service Louth.
Mairead, Carlingford
I am delighted with the service I got from EmployAbility Service Louth. They helped me with my CV and Interview preparation. They even sat down with me to do mock Interviews, this really built up my confidence. My Job Coach helped me to get the job I’m in today, I am so grateful for all the help and support received.
Donna, Termonfeckin
EmployAbility Service Louth is a wonderful service, and I first came across it in May 2019. I had completed my Master's and found it quite difficult to gain employment.
EmployAbility Service Louth changed this and put me in the right direction. The first day I met my job coach, we had a chat, and I was introduced and informed of numerous opportunities and pathways that I could avail of to gain employment.
The supports and encouragement that I received was fantastic. The cv preparation that I received was excellent. To have a second person review my curriculum vitae and advise me of ways to improve it was brilliant.
The mock interviews give me great confidence to answer any question that I was asked. It wasn’t long until I began my first day in the working world.
My job coach was there to support me every step of the way, informing me of my entitlements and how to sort out my Revenue.
I will always look to EmployAbility Service Louth for any advice that I may need in the future regarding my employment and opportunities that may arise.
Catherine, Dundalk
EmployAbility Service Louth helped me to obtain my first professional job, which suited my chosen vocation perfectly. My Job Coach helped me organise my CV, structure answers for interviews, and to supply relevant information to the questions. The one on one meetings really benefited me, and I felt more confident applying for jobs and getting experience in attending interviews with this agency's support. I also appreciated them checking to see if I was secure in my new position once I had landed the job. I would highly recommend EmployAbility Service Louth's services if you are potentially seeking a job in any capacity.
Finbar, Ardee
I really appreciated all the help I received from EmployAbility Service Louth. My Job Coach arranged for me to compile a current CV in preparation for interviews he had arranged for me. Along with CV preparation, he also took me through interview procedures. I had no problem getting employment with the help of my Job Coach as he set me up with an interview within weeks of contacting him.
That was 2 years ago now, and he still checks in with me to ensure I am still happy with my employment.
I cannot praise EmployAbility Services Louth enough and would take this opportunity to once again thank them for all their help.
Jenny McDonald – Colorcode Hair Salon Dundalk
Having worked with Employability Service Louth for two years I would highly recommend their services. We have placed employee's using the YESS programme for a period of time to train them in & find if they are a perfect match for our team, thankfully everything worked out great, all now working in fulltime positions under the WSS Scheme. Employability Service Louth took care of all the paperwork and the job coach really match the perfect employee for our team.
Michael Briscoe – Expert Electrix
We are delighted to partner with EmployAbility Louth. They embrace the opportunity to help place the right candidate with the right employer, and they continue to support both throughout.
We would definitely recommend the EmployAbility team as a first point of call when seeking a recruit.
“We all have the ability to show others their capabilities in the workplace”.
Paul – Workspace. i.e., Drogheda
Employability Service Louth have provided us with an excellent service over the past number of years. They really listen to our recruitment needs and have supported us with the full recruitment cycle of identifying job opportunities, writing job descriptions, sourcing candidates, arranging interviews, and following through on job offers. We have hired high caliber candidates who have proven to be loyal, hardworking, reliable, and valued members of staff. Employability Service Louth provides a great service that is supportive and inclusive of all. We will happily work with Employability Service again in the future.
Seymore Engineering
Over the past number of years, we have linked with Employability Service Louth to assist us in the procurement of reliable, motivated and dedicated staff.
The Job Coach has always taken the time to provide information on the grants and incentives available to employers and has assisted us with every step of the application.
The scheme has been beneficial to our employees and business alike, and it has been great to see the employee's confidence and skills develop. The impact on our business has been very positive. I would recommend Employability Service Louth to other employers.
Anne McGoldrick – Managing Director – Spectrum Health
Spectrum Health has worked with EmployAbility for several years now and has found the team so helpful and professional to deal with. They provide excellent support throughout the employment term, not just to the employee but also to the employer. As a company, we have gained so much from our experience on so many levels and look forward to working with EmployAbility long into the future.
Sandra Byrne – Managing Director ELITE FORM
We are in the business of Sheet Metal Fabrication since 1974. Over the last few years, we have taken on several people through Employability Louth. Every single person has been perfect for the role we happened to be recruiting for at the time, which in part is due to the liaison officer assigned to us. We have never had anything but a good experience with this agency and would highly recommend it. We have covered many roles such as Caretaker, machine operators through to office staff. Couldn’t praise highly enough!
Rebecca, Dunleer
What can I say about EmployAbility Service Louth in Drogheda, They have been absolutely brilliant from day one. I never knew about this service and I'm sorry I didn't know about it sooner. Going down to have a meeting with them I was so nervous, I had no idea what work I was capable of or what I wanted to do. EmployAbility set me down and talked over different job options and benefits. They were so easy to chat with and so helpful. At the time my reading and writing wasn't great and EmployAbility helped me by getting me in touch with NALA in Louth, now my reading and writing skills are better than before. Also my health has been great and the job I am in suits me down to the ground - All thanks to EmployAbility Service Louth - Big thanks.
Ruby's Vintage Style Tearoom, Dundalk
EmployAbility Service Louth has been an integral part of our recruitment process over the last three year. They understand and listen to the employer needs along with the employee during their term of employment. I found them quick to address a problem if it was encountered, in a professional manner. EmployAbility Service Louth has excellent knowledge of supports and financial packages available to employers and I would encourage other business to link with EmployAbility Service Louth.
Early Days Foods Ltd.
I have been working with EmployAbility Service Louth for over 3 years now and they are my "go to people" for new staff. I have found them to be very professional with a genuine passion for delivering results. The Job Coach has a genuine enthusiasm for matching the right staff that buy into the ethos of Early Days Foods. I have recruited for a wide range of roles, including kitchen porters, waitresses, administration and accounts. The employer grants on offer are a significant incentive to recruit from EmployAbility Service Louth and I look forward to working with them as Early Days Foods continues to grow and expand.
O'Neills Flowers, Willville, Carlingford
What makes EmployAbility Service Louth different is that they try to place the right candidate with the right business. I also like the idea that the Job Coach calls on a regular basis and checks in on progress and performance. By developing this relationship with the candidate he can identify potential issues and resolve them, before it becomes a concern to me. EmployAbility Service Louth provides excellent support and is always at the end of the phone.
MVI Cleaning Services, Dundalk
For the past several years I have worked with EmployAbility Service Louth who have provided me with some of my most hardworking, reliable and honest staff. They offer a personal service, taking the time to get to know your business and only providing employees they believe would be genuinely interested in the business. They are informative of any grants or funding available to employers for hiring staff and are dedicated to providing the utmost quality of service, providing advice and support whenever necessary. The relationship EmployAbility Service Louth has built with myself and the employees in which it has provided for me is extremely positive and illustrates their dedication and expertise at what they do. I would not hesitate to recommend EmployAbility Service Louth to any employer.
Supermacs
Supermacs have worked with EmployAbility Service Louth for many years and we have hired several staff members who have proven to be hard working, reliable, customer focused and loyal. We receive great support & advice from EmployAbility Service Louth staff and will continue to work with EmployAbility Service Louth in the future.
Boyds Stores Ireland Ltd. Drogheda - Dundalk - Navan
We have worked with EmployAbility Service Louth for over 10 years and have found the service has benefited both our business and the employees involved.
Boyds Stores is delighted to be a partner in assisting individuals of varying abilities, and my team takes great pride in the progress made by the employees.
I have found EmployAbility Service Louth to be efficient, reliable and effective in providing additional support for the employee. The Job Coaches take great care explaining the various grants/subsidies available. We have a number of employees supported by the Wage Subsidy Scheme who add real value to the business and I would thoroughly recommend the EmployAbility Service Louth to other employers.
Horseware Ireland
Horseware Ireland is the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of equestrian products. Horseware implements a fair social and corporate policy in conjunction with local disability organisations. We encourage work experience placements and employment of candidates with disabilities and special needs. We have always embraced diversity with all the supported employment services and have had numerous positive experiences working with EmployAbility Service Louth. - Anne Newell
Interserve
A huge thanks to the EmployAbility Service Louth team for providing me staff who are hard working, organised and most of all honest. I have recently placed a staff member in Boots Chemist who's work ethic has been described as excellent by the management team. When I am looking to recruit, my first call is to the EmployAbility Service Louth team, who I trust with all my staffing requirements.
McAteers The Food House
Over the past two years EmployAbility Service Louth has helped McAteers The Food House recruit three excellent employees. The scheme allows both the individual and the company to benefit. The three employees that we have taken on have become fully integrated and valued members of the team. Since they started we have seen dramatic changes in their confidence, initiative and general well-being. We would encourage other businesses to link in with EmployAbility Service Louth. The company is benefiting as we have been able to offer employees an opportunity that might not have been possible without the support of the Wage Subsidy Scheme. The impact on the business has been very positive. The support from EmployAbility Service Louth staff has also been invaluable.
Hydroscand Dundalk
EmployAbility Service Louth has been a great support to us for the last four years. They have given fantastic support for both the employer and the employee with a "real" understanding of the needs for everyone involved. EmployAbility Service Louth were very quick in addressing and understanding whenever a problem was encountered and helped to resolve this in a very effective and satisfactory way.
We currently have two employees hired under the Wage Subsidy Scheme, doing a wide range of activities. The support payments system works perfectly and this as you can imagine helps our company’s bottom line. I have no hesitation in recommending this scheme to any employer and when I have a vacancy the first people I ring are EmployAbility Service Louth to see if there are any clients that have the skills set we need.
I can wholeheartedly recommend EmployAbility Service Louth to companies interested in this very unique opportunity.
Irish Military War Museum Drogheda
Since linking up with EmployAbility Service Louth we have been extremely happy with the service that they have provided. They provided several candidates for interview and James, who we employed, has fitted in well since starting. He is an enthusiastic member of the team and has been a great addition all round. I would not hesitate to recommend EmployAbility Service Louth and intend to work with them again in the future.
Joan, Dundalk
EmployAbility Service Louth staff listened and understood what I was looking for and found me my dream job. They helped me every step of the way, with C.V preparation and mock interviews, they built my confidence back up after years of unemployment, due to the nature of my disability I required a flexible understanding employer, My job coach explained everything and paved the way for me. I will always be grateful for the help I received. I am now working 10 hrs per week.
Jennifer, Drogheda
Thanks to EmployAbility Service Louth I am now happily placed in a position with a successful multinational. My Disability Officer in DKIT told me about EmployAbility Service Louth. I made contact with them a few weeks before I finished my IT degree. I couldn’t believe the warm, friendly, reception I got from the staff there. Very early in the process my Job Coach suggested that I should consider an Internship. I agreed as I had absolutely no work experience in IT. My Job Coach kept in close contact with me and my employer during the 9 months internship. I’m now working full time in a job I love. I am very grateful for the time and effort EmployAbility Service Louth put into finding me a suitable internship that lead to a job.
Victory’s Supermarket Dunleer
I have hired a number of staff through EmployAbility Service Louth. They have been professional and very helpful at all times. As a result of linking with EmployAbility Service Louth we have obtained the perfect job match for our store. I would recommend contacting their service if you have a vacancy to fill.
Keelings (Van Dijk Nurseries) Dundalk
For over four years, Keelings (Van Dijk Nurseries) have supported EmployAbility Service Louth’s services. We have enjoyed high quality and engaged staff through the service. I have no hesitation and would encourage any respective staff or employers to engage with this inclusive programme.
Michael, Dundalk
I was diagnosed with MS 4 years ago, slowly but surely I realised I was no longer able to continue working in construction and had to eventually give up my job, this really hit me hard. I knew I was no longer able for full time work due to the fatigue associated with the MS. I went to my local Intreo office for help, they referred me to EmployAbility Service Louth. I have found them to be excellent, from the get go I felt the Job Coach understood my difficulties and concerns; we had regular meetings, during this time we explored various work avenues and my C.V. was updated and improved. I also got help with interview preparation. My Job Coach contacted a range of employers on my behalf. Following a short work experience in a local builder’s suppliers store I secured a part time job. The job suits me perfectly. In short, the service I received from EmployAbility Service Louth was exemplary. I can’t recommend them highly enough.