WorkAbility Cork celebrates one year of empowering jobseekers with disabilities

Turning confidence into opportunity: 80 participants supported, 18 in employment, and 23 certified in accredited training

WorkAbility Cork programme has marked its first anniversary, celebrating a year of transforming employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Delivered in collaboration between SECAD Partnership and Cork Chamber, the programme has supported 80 participants to gain new skills, confidence, and pathways toward meaningful employment.

WorkAbility Cork supports employers and jobseekers in creating and accessing more inclusive and diverse workplaces throughout the region. Backed by SECAD’s 30-year track record in supporting employment and inclusion, the programme empowers individuals of all abilities to find meaningful work while helping businesses embrace inclusive recruitment and practices.

The milestone was marked with a showcase event on 18 November at Penrose Dock, Cork, bringing together programme participants, employers, and community partners to highlight the progress achieved since the project’s launch last year and to celebrate the positive impact of inclusive employment across Cork.

Leadership perspectives:
Speaking following the event, Rob Horgan, President of Cork Chamber said, “Inclusion strengthens and enriches both our workplaces and our communities. The WorkAbility project demonstrates how collaboration between business and community partners can create real opportunity and belonging, helping Cork to thrive as a region where everyone has a place and a purpose.”

Ryan Howard, CEO of SECAD Partnership, reflected on the impact and growing momentum of the WorkAbility initiative, “SECAD is extremely proud of our WorkAbility initiative and all our 80 participants. With 18 progressed into employment, 23 completing accredited training in areas such as food safety and hospitality, and 15 gaining job-shadowing experience, this is just the beginning. This initiative is only getting going and we see huge potential for it to go from strength to strength.”

He added: “This showcase event has also coincided with SECAD’s 30th anniversary, marking three decades of supporting local development, employment and social inclusion across Cork and beyond.”

Voices from the Programme:
Trevor O’Neill, a programme participant currently completing an internship with NetApp said, “WorkAbility has helped me regain confidence and develop the skills needed to pursue my dream job. It opened doors to opportunities I never imagined possible.”

Emma Palmer, Talent Outreach Manager EMEA at NetApp, reflected, “NetApp is proud to partner with WorkAbility, supporting inclusive opportunities and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. Welcoming our first participant into the company was seamless thanks to the guidance and support from SECAD and Cork Chamber.”

Naoimh Frawley, Director of People, Operations & Governance at Cork Chamber, said, “Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen the positive impact that inclusive employment can have, both for individuals gaining access to meaningful work and for employers welcoming skilled, motivated team members. The success of WorkAbility Cork lies in partnership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to inclusion.”

Vicki Kelly, Employer Engagement with SECAD Partnership, emphasised, “The successes and milestones we have seen already are testament to the power of partnership and collaboration with Cork Chamber and our many employers in the Cork region. Beyond the measurable outcomes we have seen, participants report significant gains in confidence and clarity about their next steps, whether toward work, further education, or self-employment. For employers, WorkAbility Cork simplifies inclusive recruitment by providing support and guidance at every stage.”

The showcase concluded with a clear message: inclusion benefits everyone, enriching workplaces, empowering individuals and strengthening Cork’s business community for the future. 

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Get Involved
If you are interested in learning more about the WorkAbility Cork Programme, please contact:
Naoimh Frawley, Director of People, Operations & Governance, Cork Chamber at naoimh@corkchamber.ie
Vicki Kelly, Employer Engagement with Workability, SECAD Partnership at vkelly@secad.ie