When Seán Hughes came to Stepping Stones NI, he was facing mental health challenges and was ready for a change – but unsure of his next step.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself to find a new employment pathway myself, because pushing 30, I just wanted to have everything figured out,” Seán said. “Stepping Stones reassured me that it’s okay to not be where you want to be – it can take time”

Seán ‘s introduction to Prosper, via Stepping Stones NI, came through his younger brother, who is autistic, and had been supported by our team. Encouraged by his brother’s positive experience, Seán reached out and that’s when things started to change.

Through the support of our employment team, Seán participated in the EE Academy, which supports individuals facing barriers to work.  Through personalised one-on-one coaching, he not only gained accredited qualifications alongside his MSc studies in software development, but also developed the self-belief needed to succeed.

With structured preparation, mock interviews, and confidence-building exercises hosted by Stepping Stones, Seán was able to navigate his final interview with EE successfully.

“The interview prep was invaluable”

In November 2024, Seán started his new role at EE and he is thriving. We couldn’t be prouder.

This success is made possible thanks to the incredible partnerships we’ve built with employers who share our vision. EE has been a fantastic example.

“We are so proud to work with great employers like EE, who are providing individuals with alternative routes to employment. Seán ‘s success demonstrates that with the right support, anyone can achieve their career goals. We encourage others who feel stuck or uncertain about their next step to reach out – we’re here to help”
– Carla Frazer, Director of Employability and Partnerships, Stepping Stones NI

If you’re an employer interested in working with us to create inclusive opportunities, or someone facing barriers to employment get in touch today!