September intake open · DfE-funded
Skills for Life & Work in Ballycastle
Free training for Ballycastle school leavers aged 16 to 17 (up to 21 with a disability, or up to 24 if care-experienced). Train at our Ballycastle centre, gain a recognised qualification, spend real time with a local employer and earn a £40 weekly training allowance while you do it.
The Ballycastle centre at a glance
- Centre
- Unit 18, 61 Leyland Road, Ballycastle, BT54 6EZ
- Phone
- 028 2076 2902
- 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 Ballycastle bus station and harbour. Diamond car park is a one-minute walk from the office.
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 Ballycastle
Ballycastle is a small town with a strong construction and hospitality trade, and our centre is set up for exactly that, with bricklaying, construction and Essential Skills training. Placements are with local builders, hotels, cafes and care providers along the coast. Trainees come in from Bushmills, Cushendall, Cushendun, Armoy and Ballintoy.
These are the areas our Ballycastle centre supports most often. Other vocational areas can be arranged through a nearby centre or a local employer placement.
- Bricklaying
- Construction
- 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
Ballycastle questions, answered
Is Skills for Life & Work in Ballycastle 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 Ballycastle?
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 Ballycastle?
Training is delivered at the Rutledge centre at Unit 18, 61 Leyland Road, Ballycastle, BT54 6EZ, combined with a real work placement with a local employer and online learning through Rutledge Learning.
When can I start in Ballycastle?
Our main intake is in September, and we also take referrals throughout the year where places are available. Register your interest and the Ballycastle 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 Ballycastle intake
Send us your details and the Rutledge Ballycastle team will be in touch about the September start and the vocational areas available locally.
Skills for Life & Work in other towns
Our Ballycastle centre also supports trainees from Bushmills, Cushendall, Cushendun, Armoy, Ballintoy.