People 1st

People 1st Belfast, Lisburn, Lurgan, Portadown and Newry. The initiative also aims to prevent young people falling into the NEET. We also have 8 offices in Donegal.

People 1st are your local award-winning training organisation, offering a wide range of 'post-GCSE' training courses, NVQ courses and employment support at our 8 locations across NI. We are a major contract holder for the Department for the Economy (DfE), offering a range of occupational training and qualifications to over 2,500 learners per year through:

• ApprenticeshipsNI - for adults aged 16 – 24 who are employed and want to upskill and obtain accreditation in their occupational area.

• Skills for Life and Work - for 16 - 18 year olds, equipping them with the skills and qualifications required for the workplace.

• LEMIS+ - an initiative designed to help unemployed people in the community overcome those issues that may be preventing them from finding and keeping a job.

• Community Family Support - an initiative designed to help families make life changing decisions to enhance and improve their everyday lives. We also provide a range of dynamic and innovative training solutions to a vast range of corporate clients. These local NI businesses have benefitted from using our wealth of experience in running tailored courses across a variety of current topical issues in the business world. From Strategic Thinking to Team Motivation, Finance to Recruitment and Leadership Skills to First Aid, we are ready to help take your team to the next level. Through these and our extensive range of bespoke corporate training, People 1st meets the needs of a diverse range of customers, including 800+ private, public and third sector businesses, school leavers and jobseekers. We have three offices in Belfast (Malone, Ormeau and Stewartstown Road), as well as offices in Lisburn, Lurgan, Portadown and Newry. We extend our services across Northern Ireland through strategic partnerships.

📈 READY TO PROGRESS IN YOUR CHILDCARE CAREER?Our next Level 3 Childcare programme begins this November, giving experienc...
06/10/2026

📈 READY TO PROGRESS IN YOUR CHILDCARE CAREER?

Our next Level 3 Childcare programme begins this November, giving experienced childcare employees the opportunity to develop their skills and work towards more senior responsibilities.

🎓 Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning & Development – CCLD

📅 Starts: Wednesday 4 November 2026
⏰ 6.30–9.30pm
💻 Online via Zoom

The Level 3 programme is suitable for employees who:

✔️ Have at least one year of childcare experience or already hold a Level 2 Childcare qualification
✔️ Are currently working as a Room Supervisor or can progress into a Room Supervisor role during the programme
✔️ Want to advance towards senior, supervisory or management positions
✔️ Are actively working with children aged 0–5

💸 COULD YOUR QUALIFICATION BE FULLY FUNDED?

Under the current apprenticeship funding criteria, employees must:

👉 Have worked for their current employer for less than six months
👉 Be contracted to work at least 21 hours per week
👉 Work within the private or voluntary sector
👉 Be actively involved in an early-years setting for children aged 0–5
👉 Carry out duties including observations, planning activities and completing risk assessments

Please note: applicants may have more than one year of overall childcare experience, but they must have been with their current employer for less than six months to meet the current funding criteria.

Eligibility will be confirmed as part of the application process.

📚 WHAT WILL YOU COMPLETE?

The full CCLD framework includes:

✔️ NVQ Diploma in CCLD Level 3
✔️ Essential Skills in Communication
✔️ Essential Skills in Application of Number
✔️ Essential Skills in ICT
✔️ 12hrs Paediatric First Aid

Exemptions may be available for up to two of the three Essential Skills areas if you already hold the relevant qualifications at Grade C or above.

🌟 TAKE THE NEXT STEP

With support from People 1st, you can:

✔️ Learn alongside your current job
✔️ Attend flexible online evening classes
✔️ Receive support from experienced childcare tutors
✔️ Access one-to-one support within your workplace
✔️ Develop towards Room Leader and other senior roles
✔️ Build a pathway towards management or Level 5

💬 “People 1st helped me take the next step in my career… I’ll always be grateful.”
– Leoni Reilly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🏢 INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS

Employees must be paid for their directed training hours. To help offset this cost, employers will receive a £670 incentive when the employee successfully completes the full framework.

👉 Apply now:

🔗 https://bit.ly/Level3_CCLD

Contact our Childcare Specialist:

📞 Siobhan: 07747 561444
📧 [email protected]

📍 Available across Northern Ireland

NEW WEEK, FRESH HAIR! ✨Whether you need a tidy-up, a bouncy blow-dry or a fresh new colour, our trainees would love to w...
05/10/2026

NEW WEEK, FRESH HAIR! ✨

Whether you need a tidy-up, a bouncy blow-dry or a fresh new colour, our trainees would love to welcome you to the People 1st Hair & Barbering Academy in Lurgan.

💈 £5 men’s cuts – Wednesdays
✨ £5 blow-dries – Thursdays and Fridays
🎨 Discounted colour services – Fridays

All services are completed in our training academy under expert tutor supervision.

📍 62–64 High Street, Lurgan
📞 Call 02838 868 348 to book your appointment

Colour services require a consultation and skin test.

💙 WORKING IN CARE? GAIN YOUR LEVEL 2 HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE QUALIFICATION!If you’re already working in Health & Social Car...
05/10/2026

💙 WORKING IN CARE? GAIN YOUR LEVEL 2 HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE QUALIFICATION!

If you’re already working in Health & Social Care and would like to strengthen your skills, build your confidence and gain a recognised qualification, this could be the perfect next step.

Our next Level 2 Health & Social Care course begins this November, with flexible online classes designed to fit around your work and home life.

📅 Starts: Thursday 19 November 2026
🕡 Time: 6.30pm–9.30pm
💻 Delivery: Online via Zoom
🗓️ Schedule: Every two weeks

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

💙 Designed for people already working in care
💙 Online evening classes that fit around your job
💙 Assessment carried out within your workplace
💙 Digital assessment to reduce paperwork
💙 One-to-one support from your assessor
💙 A valuable pathway towards further learning and career progression

✨ The Level 2 qualification also includes the NISCC-recommended Safe and Effective Practice unit, helping learners meet current standards within the care sector.

COULD YOUR QUALIFICATION BE FULLY FUNDED?

If you work at least 21 hours per week in Health & Social Care, you may be able to complete your qualification through the ApprenticeshipsNI programme.

Eligibility criteria include:

👉 You must be aged 18 or over
👉 You must work at least 21 hours per week in a paid, permanent role
👉 Your role must provide opportunities for significant learning and skills development

💬 “People 1st encouraged me and provided constant support throughout my Level 2 and Level 3 courses. I wouldn’t have been able to complete my qualifications without their amazing help.”

— Patricia Wilson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

INTERESTED OR UNSURE WHETHER YOU’RE ELIGIBLE?

Our Health & Social Care specialist, Valerie Foster, will be happy to help:

📞 07714 234 921
📧 [email protected]

Find out more:

👉 Level 2 Health & Social Care: https://bit.ly/HSCLevel2
👉 ApprenticeshipsNI information: https://people-1st.co.uk/programmes/apprenticeships-ni/

Full funding eligibility criteria apply.

☘️ CÚPLA FOCAL AT WEST BELFAST! ☘️Our West Belfast students have begun an exciting 12-week Irish language class with the...
05/10/2026

☘️ CÚPLA FOCAL AT WEST BELFAST! ☘️

Our West Belfast students have begun an exciting 12-week Irish language class with the help of Conchúr! 🙌

The first class covered basic numbers, feelings and how to tell the time and it was brilliant to see everyone getting involved and putting their Irish into practice. 🗣️⏰

A big thank you to Conchur for making the session so enjoyable, and well done to all our students for giving it a go! 👏

We’re looking forward to following their progress over the coming weeks. In the meantime, enjoy a few photos from their first class! 📸💚

Maith sibh, everyone!

04/10/2026

From the top of the Europa to the bottom — Sonia, Jane and Tracey absolutely SMASHED their abseil today! 👏👏👏

What an achievement from our three very brave People 1st ladies, who took on the iconic Europa Hotel in Belfast to raise money for our Charity of the Year, FND Matters NI. 💙

There may have been a few nerves before going over the edge 😅… but they did it - and we couldn’t be prouder of them!

A HUGE well done to Sonia, Jane and Tracey, and a massive thank you to everyone who has already donated, sponsored and supported them along the way. Every donation helps support the important work of FND Matters NI.

💰 And it’s not too late to donate!
We’ll pop their JustGiving links below 👇

Now sit back and enjoy the evidence that YES… they really did go over the edge! 😂🧗‍♀️

👏 WELL DONE LADIES - WHAT A TEAM! 💙

💙 Donations are still very welcome — JustGiving links in the post below!

-

🧗‍♀️💛 TODAY’S THE DAY! 💛🧗‍♀️After weeks of fundraising, countdowns and perhaps a few nervous thoughts…today Sonia, Jane ...
04/10/2026

🧗‍♀️💛 TODAY’S THE DAY! 💛🧗‍♀️

After weeks of fundraising, countdowns and perhaps a few nervous thoughts…today Sonia, Jane and Tracey will finally take on their incredible charity abseil down Belfast’s iconic Europa Hotel! 😱👏

Sonia and Jane from our Portadown team and Tracey from our Apprenticeships team in Malone are stepping well outside their comfort zones to raise vital funds and awareness for FND Matters NI—People 1st’s Charity of the Year for 2026–2027.

We are incredibly proud of all three ladies and want to wish them the very best of luck for today. Take a deep breath, don’t look down—and remember that the whole People 1st team is cheering you on from the safety of the ground! 😂💪

There’s still time to support their fundraising and give them an extra boost before they step over the edge:

💛 Support Sonia and Jane:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/sonia-and-janes-abseil?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

💛 Support Tracey:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/tracey-shaw-1?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

Every donation, no matter the amount, will help FND Matters NI continue providing vital information, advocacy and support to people living with Functional Neurological Disorder and their families.

If you’ve already donated or shared their pages, thank you so much. Now let’s give Sonia, Jane and Tracey one final huge cheer…

YOU’VE GOT THIS, LADIES! 🙌🧗‍♀️💛

🎀 MEET BONNIE AND OUR LUCKY WINNERS, NADIA AND AMY 🎀Congratulations to Nadia, who correctly guessed that our giant Hello...
02/10/2026

🎀 MEET BONNIE AND OUR LUCKY WINNERS, NADIA AND AMY 🎀

Congratulations to Nadia, who correctly guessed that our giant Hello Kitty teddy was called **Bonnie** and got to take her home! 🥳🐱 and Amy who was the winner of our prize hamper 😍🥳

A huge thank you to all the lovely people of Portadown who visited our stall at Country Comes to Town and had a go at naming the teddy, entered our raffles or supported our other fundraising activities. Thanks also to all the local businesses for their support with prizes and donations 🥰😍

All proceeds raised went to our Charity of the Year, **FND Matters NI**, giving us a fantastic start to our fundraising journey for this very important local charity. 💙

And the fundraising continues this weekend as our brave Portadown tutors, Jane and Sonia, prepare to abseil down the Europa Hotel in Belfast on Sunday! 😱🧗‍♀️ along with Malone Tutor Tracey

Best of luck from everyone at our Portadown centre and across the entire People 1st team we’ll all be cheering you on! 👏💪

🏛️ A VERY SPECIAL VISITOR TO WEST BELFAST! 💙We were delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máir...
02/10/2026

🏛️ A VERY SPECIAL VISITOR TO WEST BELFAST! 💙

We were delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, to our West Belfast centre at Dairy Farm recently.

During her visit, the Lord Mayor met with our Centre Manager, Aidan, who explained more about the work we do and how our Skills for Life and Work programme supports young people to develop their qualifications, confidence and skills for the future.

She then spent time chatting with our trainees and some even had the very special opportunity to try on the Lord Mayor’s chain! 🤩 See some of the 'behind the scenes' pics to see how they got on!!

A huge thank you to the Lord Mayor for taking the time to visit us, and to Councillor Joe Duffy from the Colin area for joining us. We would also like to thank our fantastic trainees for giving our guests such a warm People 1st welcome! 👏

🍂 FRESH AIR, FRIENDSHIP AND AUTUMN COLOURS! 🍂Our Lisburn learners swapped the classroom for the beautiful surroundings o...
02/10/2026

🍂 FRESH AIR, FRIENDSHIP AND AUTUMN COLOURS! 🍂

Our Lisburn learners swapped the classroom for the beautiful surroundings of Wallace Park this week! 🌳🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

Clionagh’s Personal Development class, Gemma’s Employability class and our Sonia's Retail class all came together to enjoy a walk, some fresh air and time to chat and connect outside the classroom.

Learning and personal development can happen in many different ways, and an afternoon like this is wonderful for supporting wellbeing, building friendships and helping everyone return feeling refreshed. 💙

A lovely afternoon for our Lisburn team and learners and thankfully, the rain stayed away! ☁️🙌

👶✨ NEW TO CHILDCARE? GAIN YOUR LEVEL 2 WHILE YOU WORK!Our next Level 2 Childcare Learning & Development programme is sta...
02/10/2026

👶✨ NEW TO CHILDCARE? GAIN YOUR LEVEL 2 WHILE YOU WORK!

Our next Level 2 Childcare Learning & Development programme is starting this November — delivered online via Zoom so you can gain a recognised qualification alongside your job.

🎓 Level 2 Childcare – Children’s Care, Learning & Development

📅 Starts: Wednesday 25 November 2026
⏰ 6.30–9.30pm
💻 Online via Zoom

This programme is ideal for employees who:

✔️ Are new to the childcare sector, with approximately 0–12 months’ experience
✔️ Want to build their knowledge, skills and confidence
✔️ Have existing qualifications that are predominantly at Grade D or below
✔️ Are actively working with children aged 0–5

💸 COULD YOUR QUALIFICATION BE FULLY FUNDED?

Under the current apprenticeship funding criteria, employees must:

👉 Have worked for their current employer for less than six months
👉 Be contracted to work at least 21 hours per week
👉 Work within the private or voluntary sector
👉 Be actively involved in an early-years setting for children aged 0–5
👉 Carry out duties including observations, planning activities and completing risk assessments

Eligibility will be confirmed as part of the application process.

📚 WHAT WILL YOU COMPLETE?

The full CCLD framework includes:

✔️ NVQ Diploma in CCLD Level 2
✔️ Essential Skills in Communication
✔️ Essential Skills in Application of Number
✔️ Essential Skills in ICT

Exemptions may be available for up to two of the three Essential Skills areas if you already hold the relevant qualifications at Grade D or above.

🌟 WHY CHOOSE PEOPLE 1st?

✔️ Supportive and experienced childcare tutors
✔️ Flexible online learning
✔️ Digital assessments
✔️ One-to-one workplace support
✔️ A clear pathway towards Level 3 and further career progression

💬 “I can’t thank People 1st enough for all the help and support I received from not only my tutor Amanda but the organisation as a whole. My classes were always well structured, and I felt I could ask for help and guidance whenever I needed it. People 1st helped me take the next step in my career and I’ll always be grateful.”

– Leoni Reilly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🏢 INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS

Employees must be paid for their directed training hours. To help offset this cost, employers will receive a £670 incentive when the employee successfully completes the full framework.

👉 Ready to get started?

🔗 Apply for Level 2 Childcare:
https://bit.ly/494dD8Y

Contact our Childcare Specialist:

📞 Siobhan: 07747 561444
📧 [email protected]

📍 Available across Northern Ireland

Address

89 Malone Road
Belfast
BT96SP

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 1:30pm

Telephone

+442890669669

Website

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