ENROL NOW for
Skills for Life & Work
APPLY NOW for our Skills for Life & Work Programme across Newry, Armagh, Banbridge, Portadown, Lurgan and Slieve Gullion.
**For young people aged 16-24 with learning disabilities and/or difficulties*
Funded by
These accredited qualifications, coupled with relevant work experience, support you in progressing toward suitable employment opportunities and reaching your full potential, with Clanrye Group placing strong emphasis on pastoral care for each participant.
Skills for Life & Work (SFLW) is a government programme that provides training for young people (Age 16 – 21 or up to 24 if in care) seeking additional help with learning in a full range of vocational areas plus personal development, employability and independent life skills. In partnership with the Southern Regional College we are also offering Construction and Hospitality & Catering.
Confirm your eligibility
Aged 16-21 years old
(or up to 24 years old if in care)
Recognised learning difficulty / disability
Not currently in education, employment or training
Get in touch
Complete the form by clicking the button below to confirm your eligibility for Skills for Life & Work.
Skills for Life & Work Programme Information
Clanrye Group’s SFLW programme is a comprehensive three-year training and employability pathway most suitable for young people with learning disabilities/difficulties. This programme supports young people with more complex needs who benefit from a gradual and sustained pace of development.
What’s involved?
SFLW is delivered in partnership with Southern Regional College (SRC) and will commence in September 2025. It is designed specifically to meet the needs of young people aged 16–24 with learning disabilities and/or difficulties. The programme is delivered across multiple locations, with a strong focus on vocational training, personal development, and essential skills. It prepares learners for progression into employment, further education, or volunteering through structured training and practical work placements.
What training & qualifications can I receive?
Students will have the opportunity to gain a full range of qualifications throughout their time on the SfL&W programme including:
- Essential Skills (Literacy, Numeracy & Digital Skills)
- Construction (in partnership with SRC)
- Catering & Hospitality (in partnership with SRC)
- Retail & Customer Service
- Horticulture
- IT Technician
- Business Administration
- Warehousing
- Personal Development
- Employability
Employability Support available
Career development is prioritised on the SfL&W programme with structured 1:1 and small group sessions focusing on CV development, interview techniques job search and progression opportunities.
Employability Mentors will secure work placements for each young person with employer activities available to each young person to include job fairs, industry visits, motivational talks and sector taster sessions.
Workplace competencies are built via practical activities, vocational placements and community projects all of which help boost confidence, personal and community responsibility and provide real-world insight into the world of work.
Enrichment Activities
At Clanrye Group the holistic development of each young person will be fostered through workshops, personal development and enrichment activities that build confidence, independence and community engagement. These include:
- Fun group events (colour run, sports day & trips)
- Workshops with external guests (Fire Service NI, Policing & Community Safety Partnership, PIPS etc)
- Community Projects (focusing on art, horticulture and construction)
Success Stories in the world of work
Matthew
Matthew attends a work placement within Dolce Vita prep centre, Camlough (2 days a week) and works within the food preparation and packaging section of the facility. Matthew was referred to the placement to develop his practical work skills developed on his level 1 hospitality qualification, to improve independence and explore a long term route into paid employment.
Over the last 2.5 years Matthew’s confidence and communication skills have improved significantly and his dedication to his placement has resulted Dolce Vita offering him a part-time paid position on completion of the SfL&W programme.
Dolce Vita have shown exceptional commitment to inclusive employment by offering Matthew this opportunity. Their willingness to invest time training and mentorship over the past number of years reflects a genuine belief in the potential of young people with additional needs.
By offering Matthew a paid role upon completing his programme dolce vita is not only recognising his hard work and dedication but also setting a powerful example of what inclusive forward-thinking employment can look like.
Jodie
Jodie’s placement is in Paws Doggy Day care in Lisburn as part of the SFLW programme, which she attends two days a week. Paws Doggy Day Care offers a hands-on animal focused environment where Jodie is able to explore her love of dogs while building real world workplace skills.
Through the SFLW programme Jodie has gained college preparation and onsite support as needed, this holistic approach has helped bridge the gap between education and the world of work for Jodie. This has allowed Jodie to become a reliable and enthusiastic member of the team.
The SFLW programme have played a vital role in helping Jodie succeed in her placement. Through continuous monitoring from the employment officer and tailored classroom sessions Jodie has developed key skills such as communication, teamwork, health and safety awareness, and problem solving along with independence.
Jodie’s journey shows the impact of a well matched work placement combined with structured support from the SFLW programme with the right guidance and encouragement which has allowed her to find a sense of purpose and pride in her work. Paws Doggy day care have offered Jodie paid employment on completion of her SFLW programme.
Reece
Reece’s work placement at New Haven café in Lurgan has been a transformative experience for him. During this placement, he not only honed his practical skills in a real-world environment but also developed a strong rapport with both customers and colleagues. His employer has been particularly impressed with his work ethic, noting that Reece consistently demonstrates reliability, diligence, and a positive attitude.
The supportive atmosphere at the café has allowed him to thrive, and as a result, his employer has offered him a permanent position, solidifying his transition into the workforce. Living with a diagnosis that impacts communication and social skills could have posed significant barriers; however, Reece has approached each challenge with remarkable resilience.
His ability to engage and collaborate with others has fostered positive relationships, enabling him to contribute confidently during group discussions. Moreover, Reece’s caring and supportive nature promotes a collaborative learning environment.
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