SKILL UP – the flexible skills programme

Look up. Move up. Skill up.

The Department for the Economy, with funding from the Northern Ireland Office and the Department of Finance, is supporting free short courses, delivered by the local further and higher education providers.

There are up to 7000 free places available until end of June 2023 with many more to follow in the next few years.

Opportunities are available from entry to postgraduate levels, focussing 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 into areas where job growth is expected to be high as we emerge from the impact of coronavirus.

Courses available

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

The Open University

Digital

• Cisco: Python Programming (OpenEDG)
• Cisco: DevOps using DevNet
• Cisco: CCNA -Introduction to Networks
• AWS: Machine Learning Foundations
• Cyber Security Operations
• Data Management
• Network Security
• Strategic Capabilities for Technological Innovation
• Managing Change with Systems Thinking in Practice
• Technological & Innovation Management
• AWS: Solutions Architect (in collaboration with Amazon Web Services)

Leadership and Management

• Business Management: Fundamentals of Management Accounting
• Business Management: People Management and Leadership
• Business Management: Marketing Principles & Practice
• Business Management : Financial accounting for non accounting roles
• Business Management: Project Management
• Creating and Sustaining Value
• Effective Management in Business and Public Management
• Entrepreneurship in Context
• Managing in a Changing World
• Supply Chain Management
• Agile Leadership and Management (in collaboration with the Agile Business Consortium)
• Management of Change: Organisation Development and Design
• Sustainable Creative Management

Green Technologies

• Climate Change: Transforming your Organisation for Sustainability
• Environmental monitoring and protection
• Making environmental decisions

Financial services

• Financial markets and the financing of organisations

Other

• Teacher development: Embedding mental health in the curriculum. - endorsed by the Mental Health Foundation

Further information and details on how to apply can be found at Open University Skill Up courses. 

Queen’s University Belfast

Digital

• Applied Cyber Security (PG Cert)
• Audiovisual Post-production (PG Cert)
• PG Cert in Cinematic Architecture
• Data Analytics (PG Cert)
• Data Analytics and Decision Making
• Data Driven Essentials
• Digital Marketing Strategies
• Digital Transformation Toolbox
• Innovation Leadership
• Software Development (PG Cert/PG Dip)
• Strategic Change Leadership for Digital Transformation

Green Technologies

• PG Cert in Engineering of Energy, Economics and the Environment
• Hydrogen Energy Systems (PG Cert)
• Zero Carbon Engineering (PG Cert/PG Dip)

Manufacturing and Engineering

• Advanced Manufacturing Leadership
• Innovation and Technology
• Mechanical Engineering with Management (PG Cert)

Life and Health Sciences

• Biostatistics and Bioinformatics

• Advanced Professional Practice (Care of Older People)

Leadership and Management

• Mini MBA
• Leadership for a Disrupted World
• Leading Transformation through Cultural Change
• Design Thinking Innovation
• Innovation strategy and Digital Disruption
• Operations and Supply Chain Management (PG Cert)

Further information and details on how to apply can be found at Queen's University Skill Up courses.

Ulster University

Digital

• Advanced Cert in Management & Practice Transformational Management in a Digital World
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Design, Research and Development (Animation)
• Professional Software Development (Architecture and Design)

Green Technologies

• Energy Management and Green Technology
• Hydrogen Safety

Life and Health Sciences

• Coding Skills for Biologists
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring
• Machine Learning
• Molecular and Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Pharmaceutical Analysis

Engineering and Manufacturing

• Advanced Composites and Polymers
• Biomedical Engineering
• Manufacturing Management
• Mechanical Engineering
• Smart Manufacturing Systems

Leadership and Management

• Enabling Business Resilience
• Executive Leadership
• Understanding International Business

Financial Services

• Financial theory, products and markets
• Regulation and Compliance

Other

• Business Sustainability and Innovation
• Managing and Leading People
• Strategic Marketing

Further information and details on how to apply can be found at Ulster University Skill Up courses.

Stranmillis University College

• PG Cert in Blended Learning

Further information and details on how to apply can be found at: 

• Stranmillis University College

Digital

• Creative & Digital Technologies Programme
• Cyber Security Essentials
• Digital Marketing and Social Media
• Data Analytics using BI
• Machine Learning using Azure
• HTML & CSS
• Programming in Java
• Programming in Python
• Level 2 Award In 2D Computer Aided Design
• OCN Level 2 Award in Digital Marketing
• OCN Level 2 Award in Digital Skills within Construction
• OCN Level 3 Award in Digital Construction with BIM

Health and Social Care

• CACHE Level 2 Introductory Awareness of Autistic Spectrum Conditions 
• CACHE Level 3 Support Individuals with Autistic Conditions
• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinators in Early Years Settings 
• NOCN Level 2 Award in Meeting the Needs of Learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 
• OCN Level 2 Award in Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children and Young People 
• OCN Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness 
• Introduction to Counselling Skills
• Understanding Substance Misuse
• Award in Transition to Playwork
• OCN NI Level 2 Award in Early Years Learning, Care and Development
• OCN NI Level 2 Award in Introduction to Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children

Leadership and Management

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

Engineering and Manufacturing

• L2 Award in Welding

Green Technologies

• Award in Hydrogen Skills (Level 2 & Level 3)

Other

• Women Returners: Press Refresh Programme

Further information and details on how to apply can be found at Belfast Met Skill Up courses

Northern Regional College

Digital

• Digital Marketing
• Digital Prototype Design and Manufacture
• Social Media
• Social Media and Digital Marketing

Green Technologies

• Hybrid Electrical Vehicle Repair
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
• Hydrogen Level 2

Engineering and Manufacturing

• Welding Level 2

Health and Social Care

• Award in Health and Social Care
• Award in Infant and Child Mental Health and its Impact on Social and Emotional Development
• Award in Supporting Individuals with learning difficulties Level 3
• Award in Understanding Protection and Safeguarding
• Awareness of Dementia
• Awareness of Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Meeting the Needs of Learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Mainstream Classroom
• Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children
• Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs
• Understanding adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience Level 4
• Working with Parents Level 4
• Certificate in Supporting Individuals with Special Needs and Disabilities Level 4

Leadership and Management

• Management and Leadership Principles of Innovation
• Principles of management and Leadership Managing a team to achieve results
• Principles of management and Leadership supporting the delivery of customer service

Trade, Export and Logistics

• Global Logistics
• Green Logistics
• Inventory Management
• Logistics and Transport

Other

• Business Development Skills

• Principles of Customer Service Level 2

• Tour Guiding Level 2

• Award in Understanding Nutrition, Performance and Healthy Eating Level 3

Further information and details on how to apply can be found at NRC Skill Up courses.

North West Regional College

Digital

• C&G Level 1 & 2 Computerised Accounts
• C&G Level 1 Manual Bookkeeping & Accounts
• Cisco Scaling Networks (Cybersecurity)
• Digital Marketing Level 2
• Digital Marketing Level 4
• Kick-start IT Programme (Strabane)
• OCN Level 2 Award in Digital Fabrication
• OCN NI Exploring Social Media
• OCN NI Spreadsheet Software
• OCN NI Website Software
• Software Testing

Green Technologies

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
• Electric Vehicle Level 2
• Electric Vehicle Level 3

Health and Social care

• Awareness of End of Life Care
• Dementia Awareness
• Supporting Individuals Living with Dementia Level 1 Award
• OCN NI Mental Health Awareness
• OCN L2 Introduction to Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children
• Phlebotomy (Award)
• Phlebotomy Level 3 Certificate
• Substance Misuse Level 2
• Adult Health and Social Care (Diploma Level 2 & Level 3)

Engineering and Manufacturing

• Level 1 Award Welding
• Level 1 Certificate Welding
• Welding - Level 2
• Welding - Level 3

Leadership and Management

• CIPD L3
• CIPD L5

• ILM Level 3

• ILM Level 5

Trade, Export and Logistics

• Institute of Export Level 3 Customs Practitioner Award
• International Transport and Documentation (Level 3 Certificate in International Trade)

Financial Services

• Level 2 Award in Fundamentals of Financial Services
• Level 1 Manual Bookkeeping & Accounts

Other

• Business Development Skills
• Women Returners

Further information and details on how to apply can be found at NWRC Skill Up courses.

South Eastern Regional College

Digital

• Cisco Cyber Security Essentials
• Cyber Security Infrastructure Pathway
• Digital Marketing
• Level 2 Award Computerised Accounts
• Level 2 Award in Social Media
• Level 4 Digital Marketing
• Siemens Certified Mechatronic Systems Assistant
• Version 1 - Software Development

Green Technologies

• Automotive Refrigerant Handling
• Commercial Gas
• Domestic Electrical Installers
• Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment
• Electrical Energy Storage Systems
• F-Gas
• Gas Auditing
• Gas Safety Awareness in Social Housing
• Green Technologies Level 5 Award Certificate and Extended Certificate
• HVO Bio Oils
• Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations
• Intro to Hydrogen Boilers
• Installation and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pumps
• Installation and Maintenance of Heat Pump Systems
• Level 4 Hybrid
• Low Energy Buildings
• Managed Learning Programme Gas
• OFTEC
• Retrofitting
• Solar PV
• Solar Thermal
• Unvented Training and Assessment
• Water Regulations for Heat Pumps

Health and Social Care

• Level 2 Health and Social Care
• Award in Awareness of Dementia
• Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities

Engineering and Manufacturing

• IMI Skills in Diagnosing Motor Vehicle Faults Where No Prescribed Process or Format is Available
• Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
• Periodic Inspections and Testing
• Welding Skills MIG/TIG

Leadership and Management

• CMI Level 3 Award in Leadership & Management - Principles of Leadership & Management
• CMI Level 3 Award in Project Management
• CMI Level 3 Award Managing a Team to Achieve Results
• CMI Level 3 Award Monitoring Quality to Improve Outcomes
• CMI Level 3 Award in Coaching & Mentoring
• CMI Level 5 Award in Creating and Delivering Operational Plans
• CMI Level 5 Award in Managing Quality and Continuous Improvement
• CMI Level 5 Leadership & Management Award, Certificate and Diploma
• Management Coaching and Mentoring
• Women in Leadership in Engineering - CMI Award in Management and Leadership

Trade, Export and Logistics

• Trade & Export - Introduction to International Trade Management
• Trade & Export - Transportation and Documentation
• Trade & Export - Fundamentals of International Business
• Trade & Export – Global marketplace
• International Trade, Customs and Logistics
• International Trade Customs Practitioner Award
• Finance of International Trade
• International Physical Distribution

Other

• Women in Leadership – Executive Mentoring Programme
• Travel and Tourism Programme - L3 Award in Principles of Customer Service in Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism
• Level 2 Allergens

Further information and details on how to apply can be found at SERC Skill Up courses. Graduate programmes are also available:

Southern Regional College

Digital

• OCN Level 4 Certificate in Principles of Cloud Computing
• OCN Level 4 Certificate in Data Analytics
• Level 5 Certificate in Data Analytics
• Level 3 Award Animation
• OCN Level 4 Cyber Security
• OCN Level 2 Introduction to Cyber Security
• Digital Marketing and social media
• Level 2 in 2D Computer aided design
• ICDL Spreadsheet Software Level 2
• ICDL Word Processing Software Level 2 & Level 3
• ICDL Presentation Software Level 2

Green Technologies

• LCL Awards Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pumps BSU PT-G
• Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems

Engineering and Manufacturing

• OCN Industrial Robotics - Programming and Application Level 3
• OCN Industrial Robotics - Programming and Application Level 4
• Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation
• Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Routine Maintenance Activities Level 2 Award
• Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement Level 3 Award
• Manufacturing Computer Numerical Control Machining Processes

Health and Social Care

• Introduction To Counselling Skills
• Introductory Awareness of Autistic Spectrum Conditions
• Award in Transition to Play work
• Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children & Young Adults
• Understanding how to Support Individuals with Autistic Spectrum
• MAKATON Level 1 & Level 2
• Award in Paediatric First Aid Level 3
• Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs Level 3

Life and Health Sciences

• OCN Level 4 Certificate in Pharmaceutical Industry Regulation
• OCN Level 4 Certificate in Laboratory Skills for Industry
• OCN Level 5 Certificate Regulation in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Manufacturing and Distribution
• OCN Level 4 Certificate in Pharmaceutical Analytical Quality Control and Analysis

Leadership and Management

• City and Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management
• City and Guilds Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management
• Level 3 Certificate in Effective Coaching & Mentoring
• Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management
• Award in Leadership & Management (Event and Project Management)
• Award in Leadership & Management (Innovation and Change Management)
• Award in Leadership & Management Level 5
• Award in Education and Training BTEC Level 3

Trade, Export and Logistics

• Programmable Logistics Controllers
• Certificate in Logistics Operations

Other

• Women Returners

Further information and details on how to apply can be found at SRC Skill Up courses.

South West College

Digital

• MTA Networking Fundamentals
• Social Media and Digital Marketing
• Digital Surveying Level 4
• Data Analytics       Level 4
• Cyber Security     Level 4
• Award in Creative Arts and Digital Technologies Level 3

Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction

• Assembling and Testing Fluid Systems
• Autocad 2D
• Ensuring Air Tightness in Domestic Retrofit Project
• Installation of External Wall Insulation for Domestic Retrofit
• Installation Requirements for Heat Recovery Mechanical Ventilation Systems in Domestic Retrofit Projects
• NOCN Bim/Revit
• Retrofit
• Understanding the Maintain and repair of pre 1919 Buildings
• Welding
• Welding and employability L2

Health and Social Care

• Introduction to Mindfulness and reducing Anxiety in Children
• Managing Challenging Behaviours in Children
• Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs

Leadership and Management

• Construction in Leadership and Management
• Leadership and Management Level 3
• Leadership and Management Level 5

Further information and details on how to apply can be found at SWC Skill Up courses.