Health and Social Care Academy

Health and Social Care Academy

The Health and Social Care Academy is a fully funded training and work placement programme for people across the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough who want to start a career in the health and social care sector. This includes opportunities in residential, nursing and domiciliary care roles.

The academy is delivered by Elite Connected CEG Ltd and funded by the Causeway Coast and Glens Labour Market Partnership, supported by the Department for Communities.

Training will take place across four local locations, with work placements arranged close to where participants live.

What the Academy Includes

Part One - Soft Skills Training (2 mornings per week for 2 weeks)
Covers core skills for care roles, including communication, empathy, teamwork, professionalism, resilience, and problem‑solving. Training will take place across Coleraine, Limavady, Ballymoney and Ballycastle/Cushendall.

Part Two - Work Placement & Mentoring (2 to 8 weeks)
Participants will complete a placement with a local employer in the health and social care sector. Support includes in‑placement mentoring, Access NI and PPE funding, and travel/childcare support for eligible candidates through the Work Experience Programme (WEP). Placements can run from 2 to 8 weeks depending on participant needs.

Part Three - Job Interview Preparation
Participants will receive support to prepare for interviews with local employers.

Part Four - Additional Employment Support
Eligible candidates (those on Universal Credit) can apply for up to £1,500 through the Department for Communities Adviser Discretion Fund to help overcome employment barriers, such as support towards driving licences or insurance costs. Please note, there is no automatic entitlement to help from the Adviser Discretion Fund and every case will be considered by a Work Coach based on each individual’s specific circumstances.

How to Register
Register here.

Closing date: 2:00pm on Friday 13th February 2026 (may reopen depending on available spaces).

For More Information
Contact Catherine Gault by phone 0788 5565 310 or email eliteconnected.ceg@gmail.com