“We support businesses just as much as we support people into employment — and that’s what makes the impact last.”

Triangle Progression to Employment Service has a powerful origin story rooted in community, inclusion, and opportunity. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Gerard Haughey, Employment Business Development Coordinator, who shared how the service has grown into a vital support for both people and businesses across the region.

Triangle Progression to Employment sits under the wider Triangle Housing Association umbrella, an organisation with almost 40 years of experience supporting communities. From those strong foundations, the Progression to Employment Service was established 29 years ago to focus specifically on providing the necessary support systems to those furthest from the labour market to gain meaningful employment. The service now offers employment support across 6 council areas across NI.

For the last three years, Triangle has also been the Lead Partner of the Prosper Consortium, which brings together five partner organisations from the community and voluntary sector who are all deeply committed to providing employment pathways to those experiencing significant barriers.     

Utilising the recognised 5 Stage Supported Employment Model, the Employment team supports people into work across a wide range of sectors and industries. The Progression to Employment Service supports a diverse participant base who are classed as ‘economically inactive’. This includes those who have a health condition or disability, neurodiversity, over 50s, women returners, young people not in education or training and individuals who may have the skills and experience to work but lack confidence or self-belief.

Employment opportunities are advertised through social media, community networks, Jobs and Benefit Offices and partner organisations, with a strong focus on accessibility. QR codes on promotional materials allow people to self-register quickly and easily. Once registered, participants are contacted by an Employment Officer who provides a clear, friendly overview of the service, including training, interview preparation, ensuring people feel involved and supported at each stage.

A standout strength of the Progression to Employment Service is its long-standing relationships with employers. Gerard’s role focuses on building and nurturing a network of employer these partnerships, many of which result in repeat business year after year. The organisation works with a wide range of sectors, including retailers and hospitality groups and many more. Crucially, the service is fully funded, meaning there is no cost to employers, removing a significant barrier to inclusive recruitment.

The Progression to Employment Service also offers ongoing in work support for up to six months, helping employees with onboarding and supporting employers in this crucial initial stage of employment  . This holistic approach has led to countless success stories, including individuals progressing within companies and employers actively requesting more candidates after positive experiences. One recent success story is from 3 brothers on their journey into employment through our  Triangle’s Accelerate into Employment Academy in partnership with McDonald’s Coleraine. We have linked the video to this article so you can see for yourselves! 

The Progression to Employment Service was also approached by existing employer partner The Andras Hotel Group to support them with their recruitment for the newly opened Marcus Hotel in Portrush and this successfully resulted in providing a number of roles.

Winning the Social Impact Award was a proud and emotional moment for the team. As Gerard shared, it was powerful recognition of the life changing impact their work has, not just filling vacancies, but opening doors, building confidence, and creating more inclusive workplaces across the Causeway area.

As Chamber members, Triangle Progression to Employment Service values the opportunity to network, share success stories, and connect with employers who may benefit from their support. Gerard’s message is clear. If your business is struggling to recruit, retain staff, or wants to build a more inclusive workforce, Triangle Progression to Employment Service is ready to help.If you wish to get in touch:

Email: info@trianglehousing.org.uk  Phone: 028 2766 6880

Website: Employment | Triangle Housing | Housing Association NI

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/triangle-progression-to-employmeFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PTETriangle/