Skills for Life & Work is a Department for the Economy funded programme for young people in Northern Ireland who are not yet ready for an apprenticeship or full-time employment. It gives you qualifications, real work experience and time to work out what you want to do, with support the whole way through.
Who it is for
The programme is aimed at young people aged 16 and 17 who have left school. Eligibility is wider than many people expect: young people with a disability may be eligible up to age 22, and care-experienced young people up to age 25. If you are unsure whether you qualify, ask us rather than assuming you do not.
What you actually do
The programme combines three things:
- Vocational training in a chosen occupational area, building towards a recognised qualification.
- Essential skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT, which employers ask for constantly and which open the door to further study.
- Work placement with a real Northern Ireland employer, so you finish with experience and a reference rather than only a certificate.
Financial support
Participants receive a training allowance while on the programme, and support with travel costs may be available. Some learners are also eligible for Education Maintenance Allowance. Our team will go through exactly what you are entitled to at enrolment, because it depends on your circumstances.
Where it leads
Most learners move on to one of three destinations: an ApprenticeshipsNI place with an employer, full-time employment, or further study at a college. Because you hold essential skills and a vocational qualification, all three are genuinely open. See qualification levels explained for how the levels stack up.
Why it works for young people who did not enjoy school
The delivery is small group, practical and local. Tutors know each learner by name, attendance is supported rather than policed, and progress is measured in steps rather than exams alone. For a lot of learners the placement is the turning point, because the work makes sense in a way the classroom did not.
How to apply
Places are recruited throughout the year at our training centres across Northern Ireland, with main intakes in September. There is no formal entry qualification.
Next step: read the Skills for Life & Work programme page, see information for parents, or contact your nearest centre and we will talk it through with you.