Empower- Adult Employment Support

Unlock
your potential.

Empower is a free, one-to-one employment support programme for adults with a disability, health condition, or who identify as autistic or neurodivergent.

Apply now → What's included
2,300+
Adults supported across NI
1,200+
Moved in to employment
11
Council areas covered
Free
No cost to you, ever

We get it

Job hunting isn't easy.

Especially without the right support.

Standard job support doesn’t work for everyone. Empower exists because we know that. Here’s what we hear most  and how we actually help.

"I don't know
where to start."
Blank CVs, confusing job boards & forums, not knowing who to approach. We begin from zero with you. No prior experience needed at all.
Your adviser builds a plan with you
"Interviews
terrify me."
Interviews can be especially difficult when you're neurodivergent or managing anxiety. We practise with you and advocate for adjustments.
Coaching and disclosure support
"I've been out of
work for years."
Long gaps feel like a barrier but they don't have to be. We help reframe your experience and rebuild your confidence from the ground up.
No gap too long, no start too low

What's included

Everything you need.

Nothing you don't.

From understanding your strengths to your first day in work and beyond. Every part of Empower is built around you as an individual, at your own pace.

01
Strengths & goals assessment
Before anything else, we take time to understand who you are — what you're good at, what matters to you, and what kind of work will actually suit you.
Personalised plan Strengths-based No judgement
02
CV, applications & interview prep
Practical hands-on help — a CV you're proud of, cover letters that get read, and interview coaching that builds real confidence.
CV writing Mock interviews Disclosure advice
03
Funded training & qualifications
Access fully-funded training courses and accredited qualifications that add real credentials to your profile.
Fully funded Accredited quals Flexible pace
04
Employer matching & introductions
Over 100 employers are already signed up who want to hire Empower participants. We make warm introductions — you don't go it alone.
100+ employers Warm introductions NI-wide
05
In-work support after you start
We stay with you once you're in the job. Settling-in support, reasonable adjustments advice, and someone to call if things get tough.
Ongoing contact Adjustments support Self-employment too

Delivered in partnership

Three organisations.

One shared mission.

Empower brings together Northern Ireland’s leading disability employment organisations, making sure you get the most relevant expertise for your needs.

USEL
USEL
Lead Partner
Ulster Supported Employment Ltd, Northern Ireland's leading provider of employment support for people with disabilities. Established 1962.
Disability Action
Disability Action
Partner Organisation
NI's disability organisation run by and for disabled people, providing expert advocacy, advice, and employment services.
Disability Action
Specialisterne NI
Partner Organisation
Specialists in supporting autistic people and those with ADHD into meaningful employment. Helping employers see the value of neurodivergent talent.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund — a £4.6 million programme backed by the UK government, completely free to every participant across all 11 council areas in Northern Ireland.
"
The Empower programme helped me with personal development skills that gave me the confidence to grasp an opportunity.
A
Caolan
Empower graduate · now employed at Glen Dimplex
1,200+
individuals have found meaningful employment

Am I eligible?

If any of this

sounds like you…

You don’t need qualifications, a perfect CV, or a clear idea of what you want to do. You just need to be the following:

You are over 18 years of age
Empower is open to adults of any age, whether you're just starting out or returning to work later in life.
You are currently not in work
Whether you've never worked, haven't worked in years, or left a job recently, your situation doesn't disqualify you.
You live in Northern Ireland
Empower supports adults across all 11 council areas, from Belfast to Derry, Newry to Coleraine.

Get in touch

Empower Enrollment

Interested in enrolling with Empower? Fill in the form, call us at
028 9035 6600 or email us at info@usel.co.uk

Send us a message

We'll get back to you within one working day — usually sooner.

We'll respond within one working day. For urgent matters call 028 9035 6600.

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