Staff training

Skill Up is a Department for Economy programme, with funding from the Northern Ireland Office and the Department of Finance, which provides a range of free short training courses.

Skills development

There are opportunities for businesses to retrain and upskill their staff by taking advantage of the range of free training courses on offer. The courses will be delivered by the local further and higher education providers in Northern Ireland.

Opportunities are available from entry to postgraduate levels, focusing on skills identified by industry, linked to priority economic sectors, including:

• digital skills
• green technologies
• healthcare and life sciences
• advanced manufacturing
• leadership and management

Most courses will be delivered online and will provide an opportunity to re-skill and upskill in areas where job growth is expected to be high as part of the 10X vision for the Northern Ireland economy.

Training courses available

Find out what types of training courses are available from local colleges and universities below. For more information on specific course subjects, visit the provider’s website.

Queen’s University Belfast

Digital

• PG Cert Applied Cyber Security
• PG Cert Data Analytics
• PG Cert Audio-Visual Post-Production
• PG Cert Software Development
• PG Cert Cinematic Architecture
• PG Cert Artificial Intelligence
• PG Cert Introduction to Games Technologies
• Digital Transformation Toolbox
• Leading Transformation Through Culture

Leadership and Management

• PG Cert Operations and Supply Chain Management
• CMI Entrepreneurial Leadership (applications closed)
• Business Analytics Essentials
• Leading Productivity
• Strategic Change Leadership for Digital Transformation

Health

• PG Cert Foundations in Applied Psychology Practice
• PG Cert Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
• PG Cert Nursing Care of the Older Person in Care Home Settings

Green Technologies

• PG Cert Hydrogen Energy Systems
• PG Cert Zero Carbon Engineering
• PG Cert in Engineering of Energy, Economics and the Environment
• Advanced Manufacturing Leadership

Further information and details on how to apply for Queen's University Skill Up courses.

Ulster University

Business

• PG Certificate Executive Leadership - applications now closed
• PG Certificate Business Analysis and Consulting - applications now closed
• PG Certificate Professional Development - Enabling Business Resilience
• Business Sustainability and Innovation
• Corporate Governance and Ethics
• Financial Theory, Products and Markets
• Managing and Leading People
• Regulation and Compliance
• Strategic Development
• Strategic Marketing

Computing

• PG Certificate Artificial Intelligence
• PG Certificate Computer Science
• PG Certificate Professional Software Development - applications now closed

Engineering & Energy

• PG Certificate Biomedical Engineering
• PG Certificate Energy Management & Green Technology
• PG Certificate Hydrogen Safety
• PG Certificate Manufacturing Management
• PG Certificate Mechanical Engineering

Life and Health Sciences

• PG Certificate Environmental Management
• PG Certificate Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring
• PG Certificate Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• PG Certificate Molecular & Pharmaceutical Analysis
• PG Certificate Pharmaceutical Analysis
• PG Certificate Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems
• Coding Skills for Biologists
• Pharmacogenomics Informed Prescribing

Further information and details on how to apply to the Ulster University Skill Up courses.

Belfast Metropolitan College

Business and Marketing

• Leadership & Marketing ILM Level 3
• Digital Marketing and Social Media OCN Level 4
• Certificate in Leadership & Marketing ILM Level 5
• Digital Marketing OCN Level 2
• Get Into Business
• Get Into Hospitality
• Coaching & Mentoring ILM Level 3

Health and Social Care

• Introductory Awareness of Autistic Spectrum Conditions CACHE Level 2  
• Support Individuals with Autistic Conditions CACHE Level 3
• Awareness of Mental Health & Wellbeing OCN NI Level 2
• Meeting the Needs of Learners with ADHD NOCN Level 2

Childcare

• Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children and Young People OCN Level 2
• Introduction to Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children OCN NI Level 2
• Early Years Learning, Care and Development OCN NI Level 2
• Special Educational Needs Coordinators in Early Years Settings NCFE CACHE Level 3
• Transition Award in Playwork City & Guilds Level 3
• Infant & Child Mental Health Level 2

IT

• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel
• CISCO Cyber Security Essentials
• Data Analytic using Power BI
• HTML & CSS
• Machine Learning using Azure
• Programming in Java
• Programming in Python
• AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
• Connect with Tech
• Get Into Digital Industry
• Supported Learning Connect with Tech

Construction and Engineering

• Digital Construction OCN Level 2
• Hydrogen Skills OCN Level 2
• Hydrogen Skills OCN Level 3

Other programmes

• Women Returners: Press Refresh Programme Stage 1 - Employability
• Women Returners Programme Business Administration

Further information and details on how to apply to the Belfast Met Skill Up courses.

Northern Regional College

Accountancy

• Bookkeeping Level 3

Digital Marketing

• Digital Marketing Level 2
• Social Media Level 2
• Social Media and Digital Marketing Level 4

Engineering and Manufacturing

• Welding and Industry Standard Qualification Level 2
• Engineering Technical Support Level 2

Green Technologies

• Hybrid Electrical Vehicle Maintenance Level 2
• Hybrid Electrical Vehicle Repair and Replacement Level 3
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Level 3

Leadership and Management

• Business Development Skills Level 3
• Leadership and Management ILM Level 3
• Principles of Leadership and Management for Adult Social Care Level 4
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Level 4
• Leadership and Management ILM Level 5

Safeguarding

• Understanding Protection and Safeguarding Level 2

Social Care & Early Years

• Awareness of Mental Health & Wellbeing Level 2
• Awareness of Dementia Level 2
• Awareness of Loneliness Level 2
• Meeting the Needs of Learners with ADHD in the Mainstream Classroom Level 2
• Meeting the Needs of Learners with ADHD in the Mainstream Classroom Level 3
• Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children Level 2
• Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children Level 3
• Infant/Child Mental Health and its Impact on Social/Emotional Development Level 3
• Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs Level 3
• Supporting Adults with Autism Level 3
• Adult Autism Level 3
• Transition to Playwork Level 3
• Health and Social Care Level 3
• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience Level 4

Further information and details on how to apply to the Northern Regional College's Skill Up courses.

North West Regional College

Digital

• Spreadsheet Software OCN NI Levels 2 & 3
• Website Software OCN Level 3
• Cybersecurity OCN Level 2
• Exploring Social Media OCN NI Level 2
• Digital Marketing OCN NI Levels 2 & 4
• Computerised Accounts Levels 1 & 2
• Manual Bookkeeping and Accounts Level 1

Health and Social Care

• Award in Phlebotomy CCEA Level 3
• Certificate in Phlebotomy CCEA Level 3
• Understanding Substance Misuse CPCAB Level 2
• Award in Mental Health & Wellbeing OCN NI Level 2
• Award in End-of-Life Care (e-learning with support) OCN NI Level 2
• Award in Supporting Individuals Living with Dementia OCN NI Level 1
• Award in Awareness of Dementia Level 2
• Award in Introduction to Mindfulness & Reducing Anxiety in Children OCN NI Level 2
• Introduction to Autism Spectrum Condition CACHE Level 2

Leadership and Management

• Award in Leadership & Management ILM Level 3
• Certificate in Leadership & Management ILM Level 5 

Green Technologies

• Electric Vehicle IMI Levels 2, 3 & 4
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) IMI Level 3
• Environmental Sustainability Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate
• Practical Horticulture Skills C&G Level 2 Certificate

Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

• Award in Digital Fabrication OCN Level 2
• Award in Digital Prototype Design and Manufacture OCN Level 3

Entrepreneurship

• Award in Business Development Skills OCN NI Level 3

Specialist programmes

• Kick Start Cyber Security OCN Level 2
• Women Returners Programme OCN Level 2
• Electric Vehicle Level 4
• Environmental Sustainability Pearson Level 3

Further information and details on how to apply to the North West Regional College's Skill Up courses.

South Eastern Regional College

Automotive

• Automotive Refrigerant Handling Level 3
• Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Level 3
• Hybrid Level 3
• Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair IMI Level 3
• Hybrid Level 4
• Picoscope Training Level 4

Business and Marketing

• Social Media and Digital Marketing Level 4
• Social Media Level 2

Computing

• Cisco Cyber Security Essentials
• Website Software Level 2
• Cyber Security Level 2

Entrepreneurship

• Innovation and Enterprise in Practice Level 2

Engineering

• Siemens Level 1

Green Technologies

• Green Technologies Award Level 5
• Green Technologies Certificate Level 5
• Green Technologies Extended Certificate Level 5
• Low Energy Buildings Level 2
• Installation and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pumps Level 3
• Introduction to Hydrogen Boilers Level 2
• Low-Temperature Heating and Hot Water Systems in Dwellings Level 3
• Retrofit Award Level 2
• Solar PV Level 3
• Solar Thermal Level 3
• Electrical Energy Storage Systems Level 3
• Retrofitting Award Level 5
• Retrofitting Certificate Level 5
• Retrofitting Extended Certificate Level 5

Leadership and Management

• Coach and Mentoring Award Level 5
• Leadership and Management Unit - Creating Operational Plans Level 5
• Leadership and Management Unit - Quality and Continuous Improvement Plans Level 5
• Principles of Leadership and Management Award Level 3
• Project Management Award Level 3
• Leadership and Management CMI Level 5
• Leadership and Management Certificate Level 3
• Leadership and Management Diploma Level 5
• Leadership and Management CMI Level 5
• Managing a Team to Achieve Results Level 3
• Principles of Leadership and Management Certificate Level 3
• Learning and Development Award OCN Level 3
• Women in Leadership - Executive Mentoring Programme

Plumbing

• OFTEC Level 3
• Unvented Hot Water Level 3
• Water Regulations Level 3

Trade and Export

• International Trade, Customs, and Logistics Award Level 2
• Customs Practitioner Award Level 3
• The Business Environment Level 4

Further information and details on how to apply to the South Eastern Regional College's Skill Up courses.

Southern Regional College

Digital

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Level 4
• Animation Level 3 Award (Blended)
• Cyber Security Level 4
• Cyber Security Level 5
• Data Analytics Level 4
• Data Analytics Level 5
• Graduate Opportunities in Cyber, Cloud and Data Analytics
• Introduction to Cyber Security Level 2 Certificate
• Social Media and Digital Marketing Level 4 Award
• Virtualisation Level 4

Leadership and Management

• Coaching and Mentoring Level 3 Certificate
• Effective Coaching and Mentoring Level 5 Certificate
• Leadership and Management Level 3 Award
• Leadership and Management Level 3 Certificate (top-up from award)
• Leadership and Management Level 5 Award Skill Up
• Leadership and Management Level 5 Certificate

Green Technologies and Engineering

• Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Routine Maintenance Activities Level 2 Award
• Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement Level 3 Award
• Industrial Robotics Level 3 Award
• Industrial Robotics Level 4 Award
• Manufacturing Computer Numerical Control Machining Processes Level 3 Unit
• Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems Level 3 Unit
• Programmable Logic Controllers Level 3 Unit

Childcare

• Autistic Spectrum Introductory Awareness Level 2 Unit
• Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children and Young Adults Level 2 Award
• Paediatric First Aid Level 3 Award
• Transition to Playwork Cache Level 3 Award
• Understanding How to Support Individuals with Autistic Spectrum Level 3 Unit
• Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs Level 3 Unit

Life and Health Sciences

• Applied Mathematics for Laboratory Science Level 4 Certificate
• Chromatography and Spectroscopy Analysis Level 5 Certificate
• Laboratory Skills for Industry Level 4 Certificate
• Pharmaceutical Analytical Quality Control and Analysis Level 4 Certificate
• Pharmaceutical Industry Regulation Level 4 Certificate
• Regulation in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Manufacturing and Distribution Level 5 Certificate

Other programmes

• Women Returners Business Admin Programme

Further information and details on how to apply to the Southern Regional College's Skill Up courses.

South West College

Digital

• Social Media and Digital Marketing OCN NI Level 4
• Cloud Computing Certificate OCN NI Level 4
• Data Analytics Certificate OCN NI Level 4
• Cyber Security Certificate OCN NI Level 4
• Object-Oriented Programming Certificate OCN NI Level 4
• Artificial Intelligence Certificate OCN NI Level 5
• Software Programming Certificate OCN NI Level 4
• Creative Arts & Digital Technologies Award Level 3

Green Technologies

• Passivhaus Tradesperson
• Passive House Designer
• Domestic Retrofitting Level 2

Health and Life Sciences

• Introduction to Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children OCN Level 2
• Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs Award OCN Level 3
• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience Award OCN Level 4
• Managing Challenging Behaviours in Children Level 2
• End of Life Care Level 2

Advanced Manufacturing

• AutoCAD 2D Level 2
• Welding and Employability Level 2
• BIM/Revit Level 4
• Assembling and Testing Fluid Systems Level 2

Leadership and Management

• Leadership and Management Award ILM Level 3
• Leadership and Management Certificate ILM Level 5

Further information and details on how to apply to the South West College's Skill Up courses.

The Open University

Leadership and Management

• Creating and Sustaining Value
• Effective Strategic Decision-Making
• Supply Chain Management
• Sustainable Creative Management
• Managing in a Changing World
• Entrepreneurship in Context

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

• Strategic Capabilities for Technological Innovation
• Technology and Innovation Management
• Data Management
• Network Security
• Making Environmental Decisions
• Environmental Monitoring and Protection

Further information and details on how to apply to the Open University Skill Up courses.

Further information

Read further information on the Skill Up programme.