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.

Once the expression of interest form is completed you will be contacted when a space becomes available on your chosen course.

How do I apply?

Click here to enquire about the Skill Up courses.

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 DateEnquire
OCN NI Level 2 Award in Tour GuidingTBCOnline

*Applications closed*

OCN NI Level 3 Award in Event managementTBCOnline

*Applications closed*

FDQ Level 2 Award in Food Safety for the Food Industry

2 days

Face to Face Dungannon 6pm-9.30pm

3rd and 10th Feb 2025

Enquire
FDQ Level 2 Award in Principles of Food Allergen Awareness and Control

2 days

Face to Face Dungannon 6pm - 9.30pm

17th and 24th Feb 2025

Enquire

Green Skills

Course Title

Duration

Delivery MethodStart DateEnquire
Passivhaus TradespersonTBCBlended

TBC

Enquire
Passive House Designer*

*Fee may be applicable for software

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

TBC

Enquire
Electric & Hybrid Vehicle level 2TBCOnline*Applications closed*
Electric & Hybrid Vehicle level 36 WeeksFace to Face - *Must have achieved L2 Electric & Hybrid Vehicle18th JanEnquire
Sustainability and the Green Environment

10 weeks

Online - Evening (Limited spaces available)30th JanEnquire

Health & Social Care / Childcare

Course Title

Duration

Delivery Method

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

4 Weeks

Online - Evening

*Applications closed*

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

6 Weeks

Online - Evening

*Applications closed*

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

6 Weeks

Online - Evening*Applications closed*
Level 4 Certificate in Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience15 Weeks

Blended - Dungannon

*Applications closed*
Level 3 Mindfulness for Children4 Weeks

Online - Evening

*Applications closed*
Level 3 Transition to Playwork12 Weeks

Dungannon 1pm-4pm

*Applications closed*

Advanced Manufacturing Courses

Course TitleDurationDelivery MethodStart DateEnquire
ETCAL Level 2 Preparing and Using Industrial RobotsTBCFace to Face Cookstown

All course details TBC

Enquire
Level 1 WeldingTBCFace to Face Cookstown

All course details TBC

Enquire
Level 2 WeldingTBCFace to Face CookstownAll course details TBCEnquire

Leadership & Management Courses

Course TitleDurationDelivery MethodStart DateEnquire
ILM Level 3 Leadership & Management *Limited spaces left

6 weeks

Online

Mon 17th Feb

Enquire
ILM Level 5 Leadership & Management

4 hrs x 12 weeks

Online

TBC Waiting list in place

Enquire
ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership & Management - Project Management

3 hrs x 8 weeks 12:45pm – 3:45pm

Online

TBC Waiting list in placeEnquire

Software

Course TitleDurationDelivery MethodStart DateEnquire
BIM/Revit

15 weeks

Online - evening

*Applications closed*
2D AutoCAD

20 weeks

Online - evening

*Applications closed*
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

TBC Waiting list in place

Enquire
Level 4 Cyber Security

8 hrs x 16 weeks

Online - 2 evenings

*Applications closed*
Level 4 Data Analytics15 WeeksOnline*Applications closed*
OCN NI Level 3 Level in Artificial Intelligence for Industry

12 weeks

Online*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