“I now can’t see myself leaving primary care” – Free GP admin academy returns to Ballymena

A free eight-week training academy aimed at preparing local people for careers in GP practices is returning to Ballymena, after delivering strong employment outcomes and sustained job placements for participants over the past year.

The Northern GP Federation Support Unit (NFSU) has confirmed the second year of its Medical Administration Training Academy, delivered in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership (LMP) and funded by the Department for Communities.

The programme, which first launched in 2025, is designed to tackle workforce pressures within general practice while opening up clear employment pathways for people across the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area.

Strong employment outcomes drive second year rollout

The academy’s return follows a year of measurable success, with high completion rates and a significant proportion of participants progressing directly into employment.

Across all academies delivered so far, 87% of participants successfully completed the training programme. Of those, more than 55% have moved into employment opportunities, with others continuing through recruitment processes.

Those who secured roles have not only entered the workforce but have remained in position months after completing the programme, indicating strong retention within GP practice settings.

One participant who moved into employment said:

“The academy has made a huge difference to my confidence and given me great job satisfaction - I now can’t see myself leaving primary care.”

Feedback from participants has also been overwhelmingly positive, with 91% rating the overall quality of the training as excellent and 100% reporting satisfaction with the programme.

Addressing workforce pressures in primary care

The academy was originally developed to respond to growing staffing needs within GP practices, particularly in administrative and front-of-house roles that are critical to patient access and service delivery.

By equipping participants with practical, job-ready skills, the programme is helping to build a pipeline of trained staff ready to step into roles within local practices.

Training focuses on the day-to-day realities of working in a GP environment, ensuring participants are prepared to operate effectively from the outset.

Practical, role-specific training delivered by experts

Participants receive hands-on training covering a wide range of essential skills required in healthcare administration.

These include patient communication and reception skills, medical terminology, the use of clinical systems within GP practices, confidentiality and GDPR requirements, telephone triage, and care navigation.

Sessions are delivered by experienced trainers alongside guest speakers from across the primary care network, providing real-world insight into the role and expectations within general practice settings.

Programme schedule and key dates confirmed

The upcoming academy will run over an eight-week period, with in-person sessions taking place every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 4pm.

All sessions will be held at the Northern GP Federation Support Unit offices in Ballymena.

Key dates for applicants include:

• Information Session: Tuesday 12 May 2026

• Programme Start Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026

Participants are required to attend all sessions across the full duration of the programme.

Who can apply and how to secure a place

The programme is open to individuals who live within the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area, are currently seeking employment or considering a career change, and have an interest in working in healthcare administration.

Applicants must also be able to commit to attending every session throughout the eight-week course.

Places are limited, and previous academies have seen exceptionally high demand.

Those interested are encouraged to register their interest before the closing date of Monday 11 May 2026 by completing the online application form.

Apply Now

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At a glance

• Free eight-week Medical Administration Training Academy returning to Ballymena

• Delivered by Northern GP Federation Support Unit with Mid and East Antrim LMP

• Funded by the Department for Communities

• 87% completion rate across previous academies

• Over 55% of participants moved into employment

• Strong job retention among those placed in GP practices

• Training covers communication, systems, GDPR, triage and care navigation

• Sessions run twice weekly from 9.30am to 4pm

• Programme starts Tuesday 19 May 2026

• Application deadline is Monday 11 May 2026