Deirdre Moore
Employment Manager, AHEAD Ireland
The WAM programme at AHEAD promotes meaningful access to the labour market for graduates with disabilities.
Research consistently shows that disabled graduates remain an untapped market within the Irish labour market. Our work aims to shift the dial in disability employment.
The WAM Programme is unique because it engages and supports employers to develop the potential of inclusive workplaces while simultaneously working to upskill graduates with disabilities to empower them within a competitive labour market.
In 2025, we secured 68 new positions for disabled graduates with 34 employers within a range of industries across Ireland. As 2026 draws to a close, we are now planning our recruitment for 2027, which will be similarly ambitious and widespread.
The WAM Model
For applicants who get offered a placement via the WAM Programme, the next step is a Needs Assessment meeting with a member of our team. They will guide applicants in identifying reasonable accommodations, provide support in disclosing to their new
employer and help in navigating this process.
Every job applicant who takes up a WAM Placement is set up with a mentor. A mentor is someone working in the same organisation. Applicants can approach them with questions or for advice during their placement.
engages and supports employers to develop the potential of inclusive workplaces
while simultaneously working to upskill graduates with disabilities
Upcoming job opportunities – Civil Service, Bord Bia, ESB
The WAM Programme at AHEAD consistently partners with leading Irish employers to advertise positions exclusively available to disabled applicants across a range of job types and locations, and across all subject areas from NFQ level 6 and higher (as defined by employers based on each role’s requirements).
A number of exciting jobs will be open for applications throughout September. The best way to keep up-to-date with placement opportunities is to sign up for the WAMworks database at ahead.ie.
