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Training for Employers, Part 03

Skills for Life & Work placements.

A Skills for Life and Work placement gives young people valuable experience in a real workplace while they continue working toward recognised qualifications with Rutledge. Fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

Young Rutledge trainees working alongside a mentor on engineering equipment in Northern Ireland
Fully DfE-funded, no cost to your business

In detail

Offer 2 to 3 days a week and make a lasting difference.

  1. 01

    Two to three days a week

    Trainees attend your workplace on agreed days and study with Rutledge for the rest of the week, balancing experience and learning.

    • Agreed days each week
    • Term-time programme
    • Cover during Rutledge study days
  2. 02

    No cost to your business

    Skills for Life and Work is government-funded, you do not pay the trainee or Rutledge for the placement.

    • No placement fee
    • No trainee wage cost
    • Optional expenses only
  3. 03

    Recognised qualifications

    Placements link directly to qualification units, so the work the trainee does for you contributes to nationally recognised certificates.

    • Essential Skills in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT
    • Level 1 and Level 2 vocational units
    • Clear evidence pack
  4. 04

    Future-ready talent

    Many of our employer partners go on to recruit their placement trainees into apprenticeships or permanent roles.

    • Try-before-you-hire pipeline
    • Apprenticeship progression route
    • Branded as part of your team

Good to know

Programme at a glance

Skills for Life and Work is the Department for the Economy's flagship training programme for school leavers, delivered by Rutledge across Northern Ireland.

  • For school leavers aged 16 to 17
  • Fully funded by DfE
  • Two to three days per week in the workplace
  • Rutledge tutor visits the workplace regularly

Ready to talk?

Speak to your local Rutledge team.