Last chance to apply for Ballymena GP admin training academy as places fill fast
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Past participants who completed the Medical Administration Training Academy in preparation for employment in GP practices across Mid and East Antrim
A free training programme aimed at helping local people secure jobs within GP practices across Mid and East Antrim is returning for a second consecutive year — but organisers say there is now just one week left to apply, with only a limited number of places remaining.
The Medical Administration Training Academy, delivered by the Northern GP Federation Support Unit (NFSU) in partnership with Mid & East Antrim Labour Market Partnership (LMP), has already helped dozens of people develop careers in healthcare administration since launching in 2025.
Funded by the Department for Communities, the eight-week programme was created to help tackle workforce pressures within general practice while opening up new employment opportunities for people across the borough.
Strong employment outcomes from previous academies
Past participants who completed the Medical Administration Training Academy in preparation for employment in GP practices across Mid and East Antrim
Organisers say the programme has already produced strong results for participants looking to enter the healthcare sector.
Across the academies delivered so far, 87% of participants successfully completed the training programme.
More than 55% of those who completed the academy have already progressed into employment opportunities, while several others continue to move through recruitment processes linked to GP practice vacancies.
The NFSU also said many of those who secured jobs following earlier academies remain in sustained employment within GP practices months after completing the programme.
One participant who moved directly into employment after completing the course 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 previous participants has also been overwhelmingly positive, with 91% rating the quality of training as excellent and 100% reporting satisfaction with the programme overall.
Training focused on real GP practice roles
Past participants who completed the Medical Administration Training Academy in preparation for employment in GP practices across Mid and East Antrim
The academy is designed to provide practical, role-specific experience for people interested in administrative careers within healthcare settings.
Participants receive training in a range of areas commonly used within GP practices, including:
• Patient communication and reception skills
• Medical terminology
• Clinical systems used within GP practices
• Confidentiality and GDPR
• Telephone triage and care navigation
• And other core administrative skills
Sessions are delivered by experienced trainers alongside guest speakers working across the primary care network.
The programme aims to give participants both the confidence and practical understanding needed to step directly into healthcare administration roles.
Programme begins next week in Ballymena
The upcoming academy will run over eight weeks at the Northern GP Federation Support Unit offices in Ballymena.
Training sessions will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am until 4pm.
The programme is scheduled to begin on Tuesday 19 May 2026.
Applicants must be able to attend all sessions throughout the full eight-week programme.
Who can apply
The programme is open to people who:
• Live within the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area
• Are currently seeking employment or considering a career change
• Have an interest in healthcare administration
• Can commit to attending all scheduled training sessions
With demand for previous academies described as extremely high, organisers are encouraging interested applicants to register as soon as possible before remaining places are filled.
Those wishing to apply can complete the official expression of interest form here:
The initiative forms part of wider efforts to strengthen local healthcare services while creating accessible employment pathways for residents looking to enter the health sector without needing clinical qualifications.