Skills for Life and Work – Vocational Skills

Level 1

Skills for Life and Work – Vocational Skills

Level 1

Skillsforlife

Overview

Skills for Life and Work is a vocational training programme designed specifically for school leavers. Aimed at post-GCSE students, this programme offers the opportunity to gain qualifications and hands-on training in a vocational area of your choice.

Alongside your chosen vocational path, you’ll also develop essential skills, grow personally, and build employability through tailored support and guidance.

This programme is all about giving you the space to learn, grow, and succeed. Whether your next step is employment, further education, or an apprenticeship, the Skills for Life and Work programme equips you with the tools and confidence to move forward.

You’ll benefit from:

Recognised qualifications
Practical, hands-on experience
Development of key personal and employability skills
A supportive environment where you can meet new friends and grow at your own pace

With a focus on your future, this programme opens doors to a wide range of opportunities. It’s not just about learning a trade—it’s about building a foundation for life.

As part of the Skills for Life and Work programme, you’ll work towards a range of valuable qualifications and experiences, including:

🎓 Vocational Qualification
Explore a variety of occupational areas through a flexible qualification that allows you to sample different vocational paths.
💼 Employability and Personal Development Qualifications
Build confidence, improve your communication skills, and get prepared for the world of work or further study.
✏️ Essential Skills
Develop key skills in Literacy, Numeracy, and ICT, helping you succeed in both life and work.

🏢 Work Placement / College Projects

Gain real-world experience through work placements or hands-on college projects that put your learning into practice.

By taking part in the Skills for Life and Work programme, you’ll benefit from a range of opportunities designed to support your learning, personal growth, and future career.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

✅ Gain Accredited Qualifications
Choose from a wide range of courses, including core subjects like Maths, English, and ICT, all designed to boost your skills and confidence.
💷 Earn While You Learn
Receive a £40 weekly allowance while you train, plus the chance to earn up to £360 in student bonuses throughout the programme.
🎓 Get Personalised Support
Our friendly tutors and student support teams offer one-to-one guidance, careers advice, and help tailored to your goals.
🚍 Access Financial Help We can help with travel expenses, paid holidays, and even childcare costs, so you can focus on your future.
🤝 Join Student Life Take part in a vibrant student community through clubs, societies, and activities that make your experience even more rewarding.

: All modules are carefully tailored to meet the individual needs, interests, and goals of each participant, ensuring a personalised and supportive learning experience that sets you up for success.

: At Skills for Life and Work, your learning is designed around you.

All modules are carefully tailored to meet the individual needs, interests, and goals of each participant, ensuring a personalised and supportive experience that helps you thrive.

You’ll select modules from a wide range of occupational areas, with your learning pathway shaped by your aspirations, strengths, and future career goals. Our team will work closely with you to ensure you’re on the right track from day one.

There are no formal entry requirements to join the Skills for Life and Work programme, but certain criteria must be met.

You may be eligible if:

You have not yet achieved a 'full Level 1' qualification, defined by the Department as:
Four GCSEs at grades D–G, including English and Maths at grades D–F, or an equivalent qualification.
If you have already achieved a full Level 1, you will normally be directed towards the NI Traineeship programme instead.

This programme is primarily designed for 16–17-year-olds, but extended eligibility applies in the following cases:

Up to age 22 for young people with a disability
Up to age 25 for care-experienced young people

To join the programme, a Training Credit from the Careers Service is required. Please speak to a member of our Training Organisation team for further advice and guidance on how to apply.

Assessment on the Skills for Life and Work programme is designed to support your learning style and individual needs:

✅ Vocational and Personal Development Units

Assessed through a combination of practical and theoretical tasks, tailored to suit your level and learning goals.

✏️ Essential Skills – Literacy and Numeracy

These are assessed through a blend of coursework and formal examinations, ensuring you gain recognised qualifications in core subjects.

Successfully completing the Skills for Life and Work programme can open the door to your next step. You’ll be well-prepared to progress to a Level 2 Traineeship or Apprenticeship in your chosen occupational area, subject to meeting course eligibility requirements.

This programme is designed to give you the skills, confidence, and experience needed to move forward with your career or further education.

3 Available Sessions

* The fees quoted are per annum and are payable for each year of the course’s duration and are subject to additional examination fees as per fees policy.