WorkAbility is an inclusive employment pillar within OLDC, dedicated to removing barriers for people with disabilities. Through the PLACE programme, we provide tailored career pathways, education, and confidence building to help individuals find and maintain meaningful employment. By partnering with local employers, we create progressive working environments that foster accessibility and professional growth across the county.

If you have a business idea that you want to turn into a reality, look at our QQI certified Business Development Programme. This program guides, supports, and prepares you for self-employment, helping you navigate the challenges and uncertainties of running your own business.

The Offaly Social Enterprise Network (OSEN) was officially launched in November 2022 to connect and strengthen social enterprises across the county. This network empowers its members—including Birr Leisure Centre and Pullough Community Shop—to share skills, knowledge, and peer support to achieve sustainable growth and enhance community services.

A specialized training and mentoring programme designed for SMEs in the Creative and Artisan Food sectors. Create Green helps businesses reduce their environmental footprint, cut costs, and build a sustainable brand. Graduates are featured in a professional video as 'Offaly Green Champions.'

The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) provides income support for farmers and fishermen who cannot earn an adequate living from their farm or fishing holding. This scheme offers 19.5 hours of flexible community work and payment as a supplement to existing Social Welfare benefits, ensuring the viability of rural families.

The Tús initiative is a community work placement scheme providing short-term work opportunities for unemployed individuals (aged 18–35). The goal is to break the cycle of unemployment, offer valuable work experience, and provide a sense of structure, identity, and social inclusion to participants.

The Innocrafts Project is an Innovative Programme which provides craft makers in both Ireland and Finland with opportunities to develop new techniques and skills. It was developed through a collaborative partnership between Offaly Local Development Company and Westmeath Community Development, along with Finnish Craft Producers.

Our MenPower Programme is specially designed for men over the age of 18 who may be experiencing employment-related issues or seeking direction and focus in their lives. This initiative combines a unique mix of mental health support, adult guidance, physical fitness, and social networking methodologies over a 12-week period. It is a safe space for great laughs, good chats, and new perspectives.

Niamh and Michelle are our SICAP Support Workers, providing free and confidential one-to-one support to help individuals achieve their personal, educational, and employment goals. Whether you need help getting your life back on track, returning to work, upskilling, changing career direction, or building confidence, they offer tailored guidance and practical suppor

If you want to upskill and gain employment, check out our QQI certified Local Training Initiatives. We offer a range of training programmes (like the Edenderry LTI) to support your career growth and success.

A cross-border enterprise training and skills exchange programme developed in partnership with Finnish Craft Producers. CraftLink provides creatives in Offaly and Westmeath with opportunities for product development, digital marketing, and access to new international retail opportunities.