Horizons’ Ability@Work Job Shadow Awards 2026

Celebrating our largest-ever Job Shadow Awards ceremony.

This year 82 people supported by Horizons took part in our Job Shadow Awards 2026, up from 70 last year. Participating employers were honoured at an awards event in the Metropole Hotel on 16th June 2026. Among those in attendance were Lidl Ireland, Musgrave, Cork City Council, Trigon Hotels, MTU, Arlo Technologies, Dairygold and many more.  

82 participants (some completed more than one placement) 

68 employers facilitated placements 

97 job shadows completed 

42 employers attended the event 

9 work opportunities secured as a result of this one-day initiative. 

7 different centres/ hubs across Cork City & county have taken part 

The large turnout was a testament to the strong network of solidarity supporting our mission.  

“I was delighted to speak at the annual Ability@Work, Job Shadow Day awards in the Metropole Hotel. This year, we celebrated the most successful year to date. I have had the privilege of working with the team in Ability@Work for 10 years now and continue to be inspired by the candidates they bring to our business. Musgrave are proud to partner with Ability@Work and provide placements for the Job Shadow Initiative.”

Conor O’Donovan, Head of HR, Musgrave 

“The team provide fantastic support every step of the way, they take the time to understand my needs, they give regular check ins.”

Ruby, Job Shadow Participant
 

When it began 

The Job Shadow Initiative began nationally in 2009, led by the Irish Association of Supported Employment, to break down barriers and improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Ireland. Since then, it has become one of Ireland’s most recognised inclusive employment programmes. Horizons has been a key contributor to this initiative each year through its Ability@Work service. It has helped hundreds of people with disabilities gain workplace experience and build connections with employers. It is a key first step in breaking down barriers to supported employment. 

How to get involved 

To get involved or to pledge your business as an inclusive employer, please contact Marian Hennessy, Ability@Work Coordinator, at hennessym@horizonscork.ie 

Visit Employment Support – Horizons for more information about Ability@Work.  

Funded by 

Ability@Work is funded by ‘Workability: Pathways to employment programme’ which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, through the Department of Social Protection and the European Union. 

“We are truly grateful to all the employers who supported the Job Shadow Day programme and created such wonderful opportunities for jobseekers with disabilities. We know that this initiative is hugely beneficial both to the jobseekers and the companies and we employers have commented on the positivity, joy and culture enhancement experienced, which in turn, supports team building and morale.” 

Lorraine Egan, CEO of Horizons 

“The Job Shadow initiative has been running for 17 years and continues to grow year-on-year. People with disabilities face so many barriers to finding suitable employment and this is an opportunity for them to demonstrate their skills and to thrive in a working environment. I would like to thank all those who supported the programme this year and we look forward to working with new and familiar faces next year.” 

Marian Hennessy, Manager of Horizons’ Ability@Work 

Thank you to the employers who partner with us year after year! Your ongoing commitment creates real opportunities and changes people’s lives.  

Thank you to: 

  1. Abodo Gym   
  2. All around beauty   
  3. Arlo Technologies  
  4. Beechhill Garden Centre   
  5. Blackpool Shopping Centre   
  6. Blackrock Inn   
  7. Bunker Vinyl   
  8. Cabery Group Limited   
  9. Cavanagh’s Garage   
  10. Cherish   
  11. Collins Army Barracks   
  12. Cork Beg Café  
  13. Cork City Council   
  14. Cork City Hall  
  15. Cork International Hotel   
  16. Cork Opera House  
  17. Cummins Sports Blackpool  
  18. Dairy CO-OP   
  19. Douglas Golf Club  
  20. Dunnes Mallow   
  21. Eason’s Mahon   
  22. Eason’s city centre   
  23. Floral Impressions   
  24. Gas Networks Ireland   
  25. Hanna’s Fermoy  
  26. Hibernian Hotel  
  27. Hickeys   
  28. Hillside Nurseries   
  29. Irish Heritage Trust FOTA   
  30.  BTC Office – Jackie O’Leary   
  31. Lidl Ballincollig   
  32. Lidl Churchfield   
  33. Lidl Clonakilty   
  34. Lidl Cornmarket   
  35. Lidl Ballyvolane   
  36. Macroom Golf Club   
  37. Main office Horizons  
  38. Maxol Skehard Rd   
  39. McDonalds Blackpool   
  40. McDonalds Douglas  
  41. McDonalds Mallow   
  42. McDonalds Turners Cross  
  43. McMahon Builder Providers  
  44. Metropole Hotel  
  45. MSD Brinny   
  46. MTU – various depts   
  47. Musgraves   
  48. Music Library Grand Parade   
  49. Noel Tyrell Horizons  
  50. Parkview Horizons   
  51. Profile Mallow   
  52. Roots UCC   
  53. Roots Montenotte   
  54. Ryalls Machinery   
  55. S. Tyres Ltd.   
  56. Shandon Bells   
  57. Springfort Hall  
  58. Sugrue’s furniture   
  59. Suisha Arts     
  60. Sysco   
  61. Tesco Fermoy  
  62. The Barn Glanmire   
  63. The Canteen Hollyhill  
  64. The Hibernian Hotel   
  65. The Old Mill  
  66. The Opera House  
  67. Top Styles   
  68. Vibe Hair Salon Mallow