NOW Group Drives Inclusive Employment in Manufacturing with Record Impact Across Ireland

With over 25 years of championing inclusive employment, NOW Group has reached a significant milestone in its mission to support neurodivergent and autistic individuals into meaningful careers—particularly in manufacturing. Its newly released 2024/25 Impact Report highlights a record-breaking year, with nearly 400 paid job outcomes secured across the island of Ireland.

The organisation’s tailored training, coaching, and strong employer collaborations enabled 2,168 participants to achieve 1,824 qualifications in just one year. This reflects NOW Group’s continued commitment to equipping individuals with the skills they need to thrive—especially in sectors like manufacturing that are seeing growing participant interest.

Following a successful expansion into Ireland, 27 individuals in Dublin and Galway secured paid roles within the first year. NOW Group is setting its sights even higher, with an ambitious goal to support 700 people into paid work over the next three years.

Manufacturing companies have played a pivotal role in NOW Group’s recent success. Businesses such as Modern Tyres, Manook, Thompson Aero Seating, Wrightbus, and Terex have opened their doors to inclusive recruitment, offering placements, training, and long-term employment to participants.

For example, Conor McAteer completed a skills-based placement at Wrightbus, gaining experience in manual handling and health and safety before progressing to a PhD. Laura Adams of Wrightbus praised NOW Group’s flexible, person-centred approach: “They offer tailored support, no matter how much or little is needed. Everyone deserves the opportunity to show what they’re capable of.”

NOW Group’s first strategic partner in manufacturing across Ireland, Terex, has embraced inclusive hiring through a comprehensive initiative that includes company-wide JAM Card e-learning. This initiative ensures staff—from leadership to the shop floor—understand how to support colleagues and customers with invisible disabilities.

According to Lindsay Colton, Digital Transformation Manager at Terex, “Our collaboration with NOW Group aligns with our purpose of improving lives globally and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We’re proud to be the first strategic manufacturing partner on the island and are excited to expand employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism.”

NOW Group now operates across Northern Ireland and in counties Dublin, Monaghan, Cavan, Louth, Meath, and Galway, working hand-in-hand with businesses to build more inclusive workplaces.

“This progress wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team and forward-thinking employers,” said Sean Hanna, Director of Services. “Together, we’re building a diverse, skilled workforce that meets the demands of growing sectors like manufacturing—one job at a time.”