Skills for Life & Work

Your first step
into working life.

A training programme for young people with additional needs. We'll help you discover what you're great at, build your skills, and take your first steps into employment — at your pace.

Apply now → How it works
16-24
Age range we support
Pan-
disability
Inclusive of all needs

Is this for me?

Designed for young people ready to find their path.

Skills for Life & Work is open to a range of young people across Northern Ireland. If any of these apply, you’re a great fit:

16-17

Standard age range

Open to all young people aged 16 or 17 looking to build their skills and explore career paths.

Up to 22

Extended for disabilities

If you have a disability, you can join our programme up to age 22. Giving you more time to find your direction.

Up to 24

In-care backgrounds

Young people from an in-care background are eligible up to age 24, with extra wraparound support.

What you'll do

More than training.

A real start to your career.

From real workplace experience to one-to-one mentoring and accredited qualifications. Every part of the programme is designed around you.

The big idea

Real workplaces.
Real experience.

Job tasting and work experience placements let you try real jobs in real workplaces - building confidence and finding work that genuinely suits you.

12+
Industry sectors
to explore
100%
Real workplace
experience

One-to-one mentoring

A dedicated mentor walks alongside you personal guidance, encouragement, and someone to talk to.

Accredited training

Recognised qualifications in literacy, application of number, and ICT. Ones employers respect.

Inclusive of all needs

Pan-disability support tailored to every young person, whatever your starting point.

Career progression

Long-term planning beyond your first job. We're with you the whole way.

Advice & guidance

Expert support to navigate education, career choices, and everyday challenges, whenever you need it.

your journey

How it works, step by step.

Joining is simple, and from your very first chat with us, you’ll have a personal guide on your side.

1
Get in touch
Apply online or give us a call. No experience or qualifications required.
2
Meet your mentor
We'll match you with a key worker who'll get to know you and your goals.
3
Train & experience
Build skills, earn qualifications, and try real workplace placements.
4
Start your career
Move into employment with ongoing support to keep you thriving.
"
Skills for Life & Work helped me figure out what I actually wanted to do. My mentor believed in me before I believed in myself, and now I'm in a job I love.
A
Aaron, 19
Skills for Life graduate
9 in 10
young people complete the programme with a clear next step

Got questions?

The things people ask us most.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our team is happy to chat. No pressure, no commitment. Just get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Do I need any qualifications to join? +
No,you don't need any prior qualifications or work experience. The programme is designed to meet you where you are and help you build from there.
How long does the programme last? +
It varies for each person. Most young people stay with us for between 12 and 24 months but the pace is set by you and your mentor based on your goals.
Is the programme free? +
Yes, there's no cost to join. Skills for Life & Work is fully funded so you can focus on your training without any financial barriers.
What if I have a disability or additional needs? +
The programme is fully inclusive and pan-disability. Whatever your needs, our team will work with you to make sure your training plan suits you.
Will I get paid during placements? +
You'll receive a training allowance throughout the programme. Your mentor will go through all the details when you get started.

Get in touch

Skills for Life & Work Enrollment

Interested in enrolling with Skills for Life & Work? Fill in the form, call us at 028 9035 6600 or email us at info@usel.co.uk

Send us a message

We'll get back to you within one working day — usually sooner.

We'll respond within one working day. For urgent matters call 028 9035 6600.

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