September intake open · DfE-funded
Skills for Life & Work in Newry
Free training for Newry school leavers aged 16 to 17 (up to 21 with a disability, or up to 24 if care-experienced). Train at our Newry centre, gain a recognised qualification, spend real time with a local employer and earn a £40 weekly training allowance while you do it.
The Newry centre at a glance
- Centre
- 19 Hill Street, Newry, BT34 1JE
- Phone
- 028 3044 0181
- 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
Hill Street pedestrian zone, five minutes from the bus centre at the Quays. Buttercrane and The Quays car parks within walking distance.
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 Newry
Newry is one of the busiest employment areas in the south of Northern Ireland, with manufacturing, care and office work all within reach of the centre. Training covers health and social care, Essential Skills and business and IT. Trainees travel in from Warrenpoint, Rostrevor, Crossmaglen, Bessbrook, Kilkeel and Camlough.
These are the areas our Newry centre supports most often. Other vocational areas can be arranged through a nearby centre or a local employer placement.
- Health & Social Care
- Essential Skills
- Business & IT
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
Newry questions, answered
Is Skills for Life & Work in Newry 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 Newry?
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 Newry?
Training is delivered at the Rutledge centre at 19 Hill Street, Newry, BT34 1JE, combined with a real work placement with a local employer and online learning through Rutledge Learning.
When can I start in Newry?
Our main intake is in September, and we also take referrals throughout the year where places are available. Register your interest and the Newry 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 Newry intake
Send us your details and the Rutledge Newry team will be in touch about the September start and the vocational areas available locally.
Skills for Life & Work in other towns
Our Newry centre also supports trainees from Warrenpoint, Rostrevor, Crossmaglen, Bessbrook, Kilkeel, Camlough.