Question 1

Do you deliver staff training for businesses in Downpatrick?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Rutledge Downpatrick team works with employers in Downpatrick on apprenticeships, NVQs, Essential Skills and short workforce qualifications. Training can be delivered in your workplace, at the branch, or a mix of both.

Question 2

Can we train existing staff, or only new recruits?

Accepted Answer

Both. Existing employees can be enrolled on an apprenticeship where it supports them into a new role or gives them significant new skills. Many Downpatrick employers use it to develop supervisors and team leaders rather than only to bring new people in.

Question 3

What does staff training cost in Downpatrick?

Accepted Answer

Apprenticeship training delivered under ApprenticeshipsNI is funded by the Department for the Economy, so for eligible employees there is no training fee to the employer. Commercial short courses are quoted individually. The Downpatrick team will set out what is funded and what is chargeable before you commit.

Question 4

What subject areas can you cover?

Accepted Answer

Around Downpatrick we deliver Health & Social Care, Essential Skills, Childcare. Where a subject sits outside that list we will tell you whether another Rutledge centre can cover it rather than stretching to something we do not do well.

Question 5

How long does it take to set up?

Accepted Answer

Typically two to four weeks from the first conversation to enrolment: a discovery call to confirm eligibility, mapping the role to a qualification, the training agreement, then the first workplace visit by your assessor.

Question 6

Do your tutors come to our workplace?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Assessors and tutors visit employer sites across Downpatrick and the surrounding area for reviews, observations and evidence gathering, so staff spend less time away from the job.

Question 7

We pay the Apprenticeship Levy. Does that help us here?

Accepted Answer

The Apprenticeship Levy is a UK-wide payroll charge, but Northern Ireland does not operate the English digital levy account system. Training here is funded through the Department for the Economy instead. We can talk you through what that means for your paybill and what you can access.

Staff training in Downpatrick.

What we train in Downpatrick.

Three ways employers use us.

Upskill current staff

Take on an apprentice

Fill a compliance gap

Delivered locally

DfE funded routes

Recognised awarding bodies

Your existing team too

Since 1989

18 NI branches

Tell us what your team needs.