Skip to main content

    For schools and careers staff

    Refer a pupil to Skills for Life & Work

    Rutledge delivers the Department for the Economy (DfE) funded Skills for Life & Work programme across Northern Ireland. If you have Year 12 leavers who need a practical, supported route into work, we can take a referral, meet the pupil and confirm a place for the September intake.

    Who the programme suits

    Pupils who learn best by doing and want workplace experience from day one.

    Pupils unlikely to meet sixth form entry requirements, or who are undecided after results.

    Young people aged 16 to 17 (up to 21 with a disability, or up to 24 if care-experienced) who need additional support with the transition into employment.

    There are no entry requirements. No formal qualifications needed. The programme is open to school leavers with or without GCSEs. Trainees receive a £40 weekly training allowance and travel expenses, and work towards Essential Skills alongside a vocational qualification.

    Referral request

    Send us a referral or book a visit

    Complete the form and the training team covering your area will get back to you. Use the same form to ask us to attend a careers fair, parents' evening or transition event.

    Centre contacts

    Prefer to ring directly? Contact the Rutledge centre nearest your school.

    Questions from careers staff

    Which pupils is Skills for Life & Work suitable for?

    Year 12 leavers who want a practical route into work, pupils unlikely to achieve the grades for sixth form, and young people who need additional support to make the transition into employment.

    How do I refer a pupil?

    Complete the referral request on this page or contact the centre nearest your school directly. Our team will arrange a visit, an informal chat with the pupil and, where wanted, a parent or guardian.

    When do referrals need to be in?

    The main intake is September, and we advise referring before the end of the summer term to secure a place. We also accept in-year referrals where places remain.

    Can Rutledge attend our careers event?

    Yes. Our centre teams regularly attend careers fairs, parents' evenings and transition events across Northern Ireland. Use the form on this page to request attendance.

    Do you support pupils with additional needs?

    Yes. The programme is open to young people up to 21 where there is a disability, or up to 24 where they have a care-experienced background, and support is planned individually with the trainee.

    Useful to share with pupils and parents: the options comparison and the parents' guide.