September intake open · DfE-funded
Skills for Life & Work in Carrickfergus
Free training for Carrickfergus school leavers aged 16 to 17 (up to 21 with a disability, or up to 24 if care-experienced). Train at our Carrickfergus centre, gain a recognised qualification, spend real time with a local employer and earn a £40 weekly training allowance while you do it.
The Carrickfergus centre at a glance
- Centre
- 33-35 High Street, Carrickfergus, BT38 7AN
- Phone
- 028 9336 4483
- 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 Carrickfergus rail halt and the Marine Highway. Joymount and Castle Green car parks moments away.
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 Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus is an engineering and manufacturing town, and our centre trains school leavers in engineering, Essential Skills and health and safety. Placements are with local production and engineering firms along the shore of Belfast Lough. Trainees travel in from Whitehead, Greenisland, Jordanstown, Ballyclare and Glengormley.
These are the areas our Carrickfergus centre supports most often. Other vocational areas can be arranged through a nearby centre or a local employer placement.
- Engineering
- Essential Skills
- Health & Safety
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
Carrickfergus questions, answered
Is Skills for Life & Work in Carrickfergus 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 Carrickfergus?
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 Carrickfergus?
Training is delivered at the Rutledge centre at 33-35 High Street, Carrickfergus, BT38 7AN, combined with a real work placement with a local employer and online learning through Rutledge Learning.
When can I start in Carrickfergus?
Our main intake is in September, and we also take referrals throughout the year where places are available. Register your interest and the Carrickfergus 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 Carrickfergus intake
Send us your details and the Rutledge Carrickfergus team will be in touch about the September start and the vocational areas available locally.
Skills for Life & Work in other towns
Our Carrickfergus centre also supports trainees from Whitehead, Greenisland, Jordanstown, Ballyclare, Glengormley.