Bolster Community and St Paul’s High School Launch An Droichead – A New Pathway for Young People with Additional Needs

We are delighted to announce a new and exciting partnership with St Paul’s High School, launching a ground-breaking Post-16 programme called An Droichead (The Bridge) which has been funded by the Department for the Economy under the Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund.

This innovative, full-time five-day-a-week programme is designed specifically for young people with special educational needs and offers a unique dual pathway model that blends time spent in school, in the community, and with employers. The aim? To bridge the gap between education and meaningful employment for those who often face barriers to accessing traditional apprenticeship routes. At the launch, Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, shared her strong support for inclusive apprenticeships, stating:

“While we have more than 13,000 apprentices across the north, women, people with disabilities and people from disadvantaged backgrounds are underrepresented.

“I am committed to removing obstacles and making it much easier for these groups of people to take up an apprenticeship.”

An Droichead mirrors the format of a traditional apprenticeship and is built around early intervention and real-life experience. By connecting education, community, and the workplace, the programme delivers meaningful outcomes for all involved:

• Young People – improved qualifications, valuable work experience and enhanced employability skills to help them take their next step.
• Employers – access to a diverse, motivated talent pool and the support to build more inclusive workplaces.
• The Community – greater inclusion and reduced social and economic inequalities.
• The Department for the Economy – a scalable, forward-thinking model that could reshape access to apprenticeships for learners with additional needs.

At Bolster Community, we believe in the power of collaboration and early intervention to create real change. An Droichead is more than a programme – it’s a bridge to possibility, confidence, and a more inclusive future – and we are so proud to now bring this programme to fruition.

Let’s build bridges, together.