Ahead and Waterford City and County Council team up to support graduates with disabilities
The Willing Able Mentoring Programme (WAM) partners with leading employers across the island to offer paid graduate-level job opportunities exclusively for people with disabilities.
Ahead is continuing its partnership with Waterford City and County Council in 2025.
The Willing Able Mentoring Programme (WAM) partners with leading employers across the island to offer paid graduate-level job opportunities exclusively for people with disabilities.
The partnership, which began in 2022, has so far seen two Waterford graduates placed at the council.
Ahead CEO Dara Ryder says the programme can support graduates who worry about disclosing their disability to an employer.
"Often, graduates with disabilities need some supports to show their talents at interview or in the workplace, but because of past negative experiences, many fear telling employers about their disabilities.
"The WAM Programme offers graduates a safe space to disclose their needs and apply for jobs with employers who are actively seeking a more diverse workforce and offers employers access to top talent and a supportive structure to learn about barriers in their recruitment processes," said Mr Ryder.
Applicants must have a minimum qualification of NFQ level 6 and complete an application form.
The council are looking for people with qualifications in planning, construction, construction project management, civil engineering or a related discipline.
Successful applicants are invited to a needs assessment with the WAM team to discuss any support they may need.
They will be paired with a mentor, receive pre-placement training, and benefit from ongoing support from the WAM team. According to AHEAD, 81% of WAM graduates gain employment as a direct result of the programme.
WAM has supported over 700 disabled graduates nationally into full-time work placements since 2005.
This initiative is particularly significant for Waterford and would support the disability sector within the county.
In 2025, WAM is partnering with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) and several local authorities across Ireland to recruit graduates with disabilities.
Ahead is a non-profit organisation working with and for disabled people to shape inclusive and empowering environments in tertiary education and employment.
For more information, visit www.ahead.ie.
People with disabilities interested in working with Waterford City and County Council should register now on the WAMWorks database to apply for roles and receive updates on new work opportunities in your area.
