Free vocational training for Belfast school leavers.

Skills for Life & Work is a free training programme for young people in Belfast who have left school and are thinking about what comes next. It helps you build confidence, gain recognised qualifications and develop practical skills that can support your next step into work, an apprenticeship, further training or education.

This programme is for young people who have left school and would benefit from extra support, practical learning, work experience or qualifications to help them move forward. It is designed to help you explore your options, build your skills and feel more confident about your future

You do not usually need formal qualifications to join. You may be eligible if you have not yet achieved a full Level 1 qualification, which is usually equivalent to four GCSEs at grades D to G, including English and Maths at grades D to F or equivalent.

You’ll also need a Training Credit from the Careers Service before starting the programme. If you’re interested in joining but aren’t sure what this means, our team can help. Simply complete the enquiry form and we’ll guide you through the process and tell you who to contact to obtain your Training Credit.

Skills for Life & Work is usually for young people aged 16 to 17. You may be eligible up to age 22 if you have a disability, or up to age 25 if you are care-experienced

The programme usually takes around two years to complete, although this can depend on the Training Credit you are given.

You can choose from vocational areas including Retail and Customer Care, Creative & Digital, Admin and Management, IT & ICT, or a broader route if you are still exploring your options.

You will work towards Essential Skills in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT, alongside employability, personal development and a vocational qualification linked to your chosen course area. You may also take part in work placement or practical projects to help you build real-world experience.

Your timetable will include a mix of vocational learning, Essential Skills, personal development, employability sessions, team-building activities and work placement opportunities. You can expect to attend around 24 to 30 hours a week, including training and placement time.

You will be assessed through a mix of practical tasks, theory-based work, coursework and formal exams for Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy. This means you will have different ways to show what you can do as you build your skills and confidence.

Yes. You can receive a £40 weekly training allowance, depending on your attendance. Bonus payments may also be available at different stages of your training, and support may be available with travel, childcare costs and paid holidays.

Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit are normally unaffected, as long as the relevant conditions are met.

You will be supported throughout the programme. This may include help with learning needs, Maths, English and ICT, welfare support, interview preparation and additional support where needed. The aim is to help you feel supported, stay on track and build confidence as you work towards your goals.

Courses usually start in the first week of September for school leavers aged 16 to 17 and typically take around two years to complete. Eligible applicants may also be able to join at other points during the year, as long as they have a Training Credit from the Careers Service.