“Just be a bit brave and try it” - Ready to Work a hit in Mayo

Change happens slowly then all at once. It’s funny how quickly once unlikely propositions become a given.

How unremarkable it is now that a majority of us can’t function without our morning coffee, when we were a nation of tea drinkers ten years ago.

Suddenly, what once seemed improbable becomes inevitable and then we don’t even question why people voluntarily get up extra early to swim in freezing cold water.

These once new concepts subconsciously become the new normal, so much so that after a while they become unremarkable.

A positive change currently happening in Mayo will soon hopefully join that list of things we take for granted.

In Murtagh’s jewellery shop in Westport, something remarkable is happening. Robin, a young person with a passion for art and fashion, is learning the intricate world of fine jewellery—examining precious pieces, serving customers, and building confidence with each passing day. What makes this story notable isn’t just Robin’s success, but how it came about through an innovative programme called Ready to Work.

“The world’s your oyster,” programme coordinator Damian told Robin at their first meeting. “You can look at any area that you’re interested in, and we’ll go look around for you.” Those words would prove prophetic, leading to a partnership that has benefited everyone involved.

Finding the perfect fit

Ready to Work operates on a simple but powerful principle: matching people with disabilities or those who are neurodivergent to meaningful employment opportunities that align with their interests and abilities. For Robin, who had studied art before joining the programme, jewellery represented ‘the natural intersection’ of art and fashion.

The programme’s approach is refreshingly personal. When Robin expressed interest in jewellery, Damian immediately thought of a local family-run jewellery business.

“He almost knew straight away,” recalls Áine O’Brien, the business owner who took a chance on an unknown candidate based on little more than Damian’s leaflet drop and her own willingness to try something new.

What followed was a carefully structured introduction that prioritised comfort and learning. Robin started with a 12-week induction period, working shorter hours across four days to establish routine and confidence. As comfort levels grew, the arrangement evolved—moving to longer hours on fewer days to allow for deeper engagement with customers and more comprehensive learning opportunities.

The success of Robin’s placement goes beyond simple employment statistics. This is about dignity, purpose, and genuine contribution. “Everything he does has a purpose,” Áine explains. “It’s not just ‘okay, we’ll get Robin to do that.’ No, we need him to come in and do this.”

Robin’s enthusiasm for learning has been evident from the start. When new jewellery pieces arrive, there’s genuine excitement about discovering their history and characteristics. This curiosity led to enrolment in the Association of Fine Jewellers’ Step One course—a professional development programme focused on product knowledge and customer service in the jewellery industry.

The results spoke volumes: Robin received a medal from the Assay Office for his results.

“You were eager to learn,” Áine noted, highlighting how genuine interest combined with supportive environment and structured learning opportunities can produce exceptional outcomes.

Breaking down barriers

The Ready to Work programme addresses several critical gaps in employment support. Many people with disabilities or neurodivergent individuals leave school feeling unfulfilled or uncertain about their career direction. Traditional education systems may not have provided them with appropriate opportunities or even awareness that such opportunities exist.

“A lot of people with disabilities or who are neurodivergent would have had a tough time in school,” Robin observes. “So they will come out of education feeling not fulfilled, or not knowing what they want to do. This gives them a chance to be able to try different things without the pressure of having to commit right off the bat.”

The programme fills this gap by providing both practical support and emotional encouragement. Participants aren’t thrown into situations unprepared—they’re supported, cared for, and helped to find placements that match their current capabilities while offering room for growth.

From the employer’s perspective, Ready to Work offers something valuable that goes beyond social responsibility. Áine’s jewellery shop has gained a dedicated team member who brings fresh perspectives and genuine enthusiasm to the workplace. Robin’s age demographic has proven particularly valuable when helping customers select gifts for younger recipients.

“Customers often defer to Robin when they’re looking to buy a piece of jewellery for a younger person,” Áine explains. “They say, ‘What do you think? Because you are the age group,’ which is great for us.”

The family business atmosphere has been enriched by Robin’s presence. “We’re all invested in each other,” Áine says. “When Robin passed his exams, we’re all delighted. If one of us has a problem, we all have a problem.”

Not every business owner immediately sees the potential. Áine admits she initially set aside Damian’s leaflet, as many busy entrepreneurs do with unsolicited information. But when she finally read about the programme, she recognised an opportunity.

“I just thought, there is a place for someone in here, because we’re a small environment. It’s quiet—there’s no music playing, there isn’t a deluge of customers. It’s a nice pace of a place to work.”

The key was honest communication about both opportunities and limitations. Áine explained that her three-floor historic building might not suit someone with certain physical challenges. Damian’s response was reassuring: “Leave it with me. There’s someone I have in my head.”

This thoughtful matching process—understanding both workplace requirements and individual capabilities—has been crucial to the programme’s success.

Advice for others

Both Robin and Áine have clear advice for others considering the programme. For potential participants, Robin’s message is straightforward: “There’s almost no reason not to. You can go somewhere, and if it’s not for you, you can just say that, and you can find somewhere else.”

For employers, Áine advocates courage tempered with realism: "Just be a bit brave and try it. It might not work, and we’ve been very lucky because this was great from the very beginning. But don’t be afraid. It’s just giving an opportunity to somebody.”

The business case extends beyond altruism. “There’s not a lot to lose, but there’s quite a lot to gain,” Robin points out. Meaningful employment benefits everyone—the individual gains purpose and income, the business gains a motivated team member, and society benefits from reduced dependency and increased inclusion.

Looking forward

As Robin’s hours gradually increase and responsibilities expand, the partnership exemplifies what’s possible when programmes like Ready to Work connect the right people with the right opportunities. The success has been organic, built on mutual respect, clear communication, and shared investment in positive outcomes.

“It’s moving along at a pace that works for both of us,” Áine reflects. “I’d be very happy to continue that. I’d love him to be able to be here more regularly.”

The programme’s impact extends beyond individual placements. It’s raising awareness about the untapped potential in Mayo’s disabled and neurodivergent population while demonstrating to employers that inclusive hiring isn’t just socially responsible—it’s good business.

For families with young people just leaving school, programmes like Ready to Work offer alternatives to the traditional college-or-nothing mindset. “A lot of kids go to college and they still don’t really know what they want to do,” Áine observes. Early engagement with programmes like this could help young people find their direction sooner and with greater support.

Perhaps most importantly, Ready to Work is changing perceptions. Every successful placement like Robin’s becomes a reference point for other employers, proof that inclusive employment isn’t about charity—it’s about recognising and utilising the diverse talents available in our communities.

As more businesses discover the benefits of working with Ready to Work, and more individuals find meaningful employment that matches their abilities and interests, Mayo is building a more inclusive economic ecosystem. It’s a model that other regions would do well to study and adapt.

The programme’s success lies not in its complexity, but in its humanity. By treating each person as an individual with unique talents and interests, and by matching them with employers willing to invest in their success, Ready to Work is proving that inclusive employment isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.

For more information about Ready to Work or to explore employment opportunities, visit www.southmayo.com