The Skill Up programme funded Department for the Economy aims to provide reskilling and upskilling opportunities to people across the north which will improve their skills, benefitting their employment opportunities and enhancing Northern Ireland’s continuously growing and diversifying economy. 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 priority economic sectors:

• Advanced Manufacturing, Materials and Engineering
• Childcare and Health & Social Care
• Fin-Tech and Financial Services
• Green Skills
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Software and Digital
• Other Transversal Skills

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 all of 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?

Details on confirmed Skill Up 2025/2026 courses will be available soon.

For further course information see below:

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

Hospitality

Green Skills

Health & Social Care / Childcare

Advanced Manufacturing Courses

Leadership & Management Courses

Software

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria :

• Applicants to be 18 years or older at point of enrolment
• Applicants must have a right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the duration of the course and must not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required to progress application. Prove your right to work to an employer.
• Individuals must be available to register in person on campus as required
• Individual courses may have enhanced eligibility

Individuals must declare any other Skill Up course enrollments within the same financial year with any provider and must not be enrolled on more than two courses at the same time.