SKILL UP - The Flexible Skills Fund

Free short-term courses to improve skills

The Flexible Skills Fund has been established to help upskill and reskill individuals to meet the needs of the economy as we emerge from the pandemic and continue to grow the Economy beyond it. The fund is aligned to the Northern Ireland Skills Strategy and will provide learning opportunities reflecting the key objectives outlined within the strategy. It will serve to boost participation in lifelong learning and reduce key skills imbalances in areas such as digital, leadership and healthcare.

Due to high levels of demand applications are considered on a first come first served basis, course applications close once maximum capacity is reached. Applicants must meet the Skill Up entry criteria and the specific course entry criteria.

How do I apply?

Applications for the 2024/2025 courses will open shortly for classes starting from September 2024 onwards

Want to find out more?

Please click on the link below to fill out an expression of interest form.

For further course information see below:

Full details on courses running under Skill Up for 2024/25 will be confirmed shortly

Hospitality

CourseDurationDelivery MethodStart Date
OCN NI Level 2 Award in Tour GuidingTBCOnline

All course details TBC

OCN NI Level 3 Award in Event managementTBCOnline

All course details TBC

FDQ Level 2 Award in Food Safety for the Food IndustryTBCOnline

All course details TBC

FDQ Level 2 Award in Principles of Food Allergen Awareness and ControlTBCOnline

All course details TBC

Green Skills

Course Title

Duration

Delivery MethodStart Date
Passivhaus TradespersonTBCBlended

All course details TBC

Passive House Designer*

*Fee may be applicable for software

2 WeeksEKN Skills Centre 2 days, 6 days DGN & 2 days online delivery - 9am-5pm

30th Sept

Electric & Hybrid Vehicle level 2TBCOnlineAll course details TBC
Electric & Hybrid Vehicle level 3TBCTBCAll course details TBC
Sustainability and the Green EnvironmentTBCTBCAll course details TBC

Health & Social Care / Childcare

Course Title

Duration

Delivery Method

Dates
OCN NI Level 2 An Introduction to Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children

4 Weeks

Online - Evening

5th Nov - 26th Nov

OCN NI Level 3 Award in Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs

6 Weeks

Online - Evening

9th Oct - 13th Nov

OCN NI Level 2 Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children and Young People

6 Weeks

Online - Evening9th Oct - 13th Nov
Level 4 Certificate in Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience15 Weeks

Blended - Dungannon

6th Nov - 25th Feb
Level 3 Mindfulness for Children4 Weeks

Online - Evening

16th Jan - 6th Feb
Level 3 Transition to Playwork12 Weeks

Dungannon 1pm-4pm

7th Nov - 6th March

Advanced Manufacturing Courses

Course TitleDurationDelivery MethodStart Date
ETCAL Level 2 Preparing and Using Industrial RobotsTBCTBC

All course details TBC

Level 1 WeldingTBCTBC

All course details TBC

Level 2 WeldingTBCTBCAll course details TBC

Leadership & Management Courses

Course TitleDurationDelivery MethodStart Date
Level 3 Leadership & Management

4 hrs x 8 weeks

Online

17th Oct

Level 5 Leadership & Management

4 hrs x 12 weeks

TBC

*Applications closed*

Level 3 Project ManagementTBCTBC*Applications closed*

Software

Course TitleDurationDelivery MethodStart Date
BIM/RevitTBCTBCAll course details TBC
2D AutoCADTBCTBCAll course details TBC
Level 2 Cyber Security

3 hrs x 15 weeks

Online - Evening

*Applications closed*
Level 4 Social Media & Digital Marketing4 hrs x 12 weeks

Online - Evening

All course details TBC
Level 4 Cyber Security

8 hrs x 16 weeks

Online - 2 evenings

26th September
Level 4 Data AnalyticsTBCTBC*Applications closed*

    Eligibility

    The Flexible Skills Fund programme will be accessible to all groups, those in employment and unemployment. To be eligible for these courses participants must be:

    • over 18 years of age;
    • eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
    • settled’ in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
    • is a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK
    • specific course entry criteria