September intake open · DfE-funded
Skills for Life & Work in Antrim
Free training for Antrim school leavers aged 16 to 17 (up to 21 with a disability, or up to 24 if care-experienced). Train at our Antrim centre, gain a recognised qualification, spend real time with a local employer and earn a £40 weekly training allowance while you do it.
The Antrim centre at a glance
- Centre
- 8 Market Square, Antrim, BT41 4AT
- Phone
- 028 9448 7848
- Opening hours
- Mon - Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Training allowance
- £40 per week plus travel expenses
- Next intake
- September, in-year places subject to availability
- Entry requirements
- None, open with or without GCSEs
Short walk from Antrim bus and train station on the Dublin Road. Free customer parking on-site and ample street parking on the Dublin Road.
What you get paid while you train
£40
Every week
Training allowance paid while you attend, plus travel expenses to and from the centre.
£100
Start bonus
Paid once you have stayed on the September programme for 13 weeks.
£50
Bring a friend
Paid when a friend you refer joins and completes 13 weeks too.
Vocational areas at Antrim
Our Antrim centre trains school leavers in hairdressing, healthcare and Essential Skills, with placements in salons, care settings and warehousing and distribution employers around the town. Antrim is well connected by bus and rail, so trainees travel in easily from Randalstown, Toomebridge, Crumlin, Templepatrick and Parkgate.
These are the areas our Antrim centre supports most often. Other vocational areas can be arranged through a nearby centre or a local employer placement.
- Hairdressing
- Healthcare
- Essential Skills
What you leave with
- Level 1 or Level 2 vocational qualification in your chosen area
- Essential Skills in Communication, Numeracy and ICT
- Employability and personal development units
- Industry certificates relevant to your vocational area
Where it leads
- An Apprenticeship NI place with a local employer
- Full-time employment in your vocational area
- Further study at a local FE college
Compare this against an apprenticeship, sixth form and college
Antrim questions, answered
Is Skills for Life & Work in Antrim free?
Yes. The programme is fully funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE), so there are no course fees. You also receive a £40 weekly training allowance and travel expenses while you attend.
Do I need GCSEs to join in Antrim?
No formal qualifications needed. The programme is open to school leavers with or without GCSEs. Your local team will talk through your interests and find the right starting level for you.
Where is the training delivered in Antrim?
Training is delivered at the Rutledge centre at 8 Market Square, Antrim, BT41 4AT, combined with a real work placement with a local employer and online learning through Rutledge Learning.
When can I start in Antrim?
Our main intake is in September, and we also take referrals throughout the year where places are available. Register your interest and the Antrim team will confirm the next start date.
How long does the programme last?
Up to 2 years, with most trainees progressing within 12 to 24 months.
What do I get at the end?
A recognised vocational qualification, Essential Skills, real workplace experience and a clear route into an apprenticeship, a job or further study.
Sign up
Register for the Antrim intake
Send us your details and the Rutledge Antrim team will be in touch about the September start and the vocational areas available locally.
Skills for Life & Work in other towns
Our Antrim centre also supports trainees from Randalstown, Toomebridge, Crumlin, Templepatrick, Parkgate.