September intake open · DfE-funded
Skills for Life & Work in Larne
Free training for Larne school leavers aged 16 to 17 (up to 21 with a disability, or up to 24 if care-experienced). Train at our Larne centre, gain a recognised qualification, spend real time with a local employer and earn a £40 weekly training allowance while you do it.
The Larne centre at a glance
- Centre
- Unit 58, Lecom Industrial Estate, Bank Road, Larne, BT40 3AW
- Phone
- 028 2827 3337
- 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
On the Lecom industrial estate, five minutes from Larne harbour and bypass. Free on-site customer parking.
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 Larne
Larne's port, manufacturing and logistics employers shape what we deliver here: engineering, Essential Skills and health and safety, with placements in production, warehousing and transport. Trainees come in from Carnlough, Glenarm, Ballygally, Islandmagee and Ballycarry, and travel expenses are covered for the longer coastal journeys.
These are the areas our Larne 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
Larne questions, answered
Is Skills for Life & Work in Larne 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 Larne?
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 Larne?
Training is delivered at the Rutledge centre at Unit 58, Lecom Industrial Estate, Bank Road, Larne, BT40 3AW, combined with a real work placement with a local employer and online learning through Rutledge Learning.
When can I start in Larne?
Our main intake is in September, and we also take referrals throughout the year where places are available. Register your interest and the Larne 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 Larne intake
Send us your details and the Rutledge Larne team will be in touch about the September start and the vocational areas available locally.
Skills for Life & Work in other towns
Our Larne centre also supports trainees from Carnlough, Glenarm, Ballygally, Islandmagee, Ballycarry.