Skill Up
FLEXIBLE SKILLS FUND
At Northern Regional College we are offering a range of FREE short accredited courses, supported by the Department for the Economy’s Flexible Skills Fund. Courses will be delivered through blended and online learning and will be running at various times throughout the year.
Eligibility
To take part in a Skill Up course or programme, you must be:
- At least 18 years old
- Resident in Northern Ireland and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years, or have indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK
- Eligible to work in Northern Ireland
Applicants must meet the entry requirements for the course they choose
Courses
Introduction to Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children - Level 2
Awareness of Mental Health and Well-being - Level 2
Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development (Parenting Skills) - Level 2
Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children and Young People - Level 2
Management of a Small Event - Level 2
Employability in Health and Social Care - Level 3
Leadership and Management - Level 3
Supporting Adults with Autism - Level 3.
Introduction to Holistic Health and Complementary Approaches - Level 3
Hydrogen Applications and Technologies - Level 3
Green Technologies (Hydrogen Production Systems and Technologies Pathway) - Level 5 Award
Further Skill Up courses will be added as they become available.
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Other FREE courses include:
Personal Development Programme
The OCN Level 2 Award in Vocational Skills is designed to enhance your personal and professional growth. You will imporve your numeracy & gain valuable life and work skills, including:
- Career Preparation & Planning
- Confidence, Health & Personal Presentation
- Skills in Customer Service
Location: All Saints Parish Centre, Ballymena
Date and Time: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10 am – 1 pm
Duration: 14 sessions over 7 weeks
Start Date: 25 March 2025
Women Returner's Programme
A 4 week programme providing you the skills and qualifications to return to education, re-enter the workforce, or start your own business. You will complete:
- OCN NI Level 2 Award in Innovation and Enterprise in Practice – Ideal for those considering self-employment; and
- OCN NI Level 2 Vocational Studies – Focused on employability and confidence-building.
Sessions run during school hours (9:00am – 1pm)
Location: Cullybackey Community Partnership, Maine Business Centre
Start Date: 26 March 2025 for 10 weeks (2 week break for Easter)
Travel Expenses will be included.
Breaking Barriers Programme
This programme is designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence to join the workforce.
What’s Included:
OCN NI Level 1 Award in Vocational Skills
The following units will make up the OCN L1 Award
- Career Preparation and Planning
- Mental Health Awareness
- Promoting Self-Improvement
Also as part of the programme you will be introduced to:
- Employability workshops covering CV writing, interview techniques, and confidence building.
- Training is conducted part-time during school hours, travel included.
Sessions run during school hours (9:00am – 1pm) Monday and Tuesday
Location: All Saints Parish Centre
Start Date: 31 March 2025 for 10 weeks (2 week break for Easter)
For full details and to register, contact pamela.steele@nrc.ac.uk