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 March 2024.

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: DevOps using DevNet
• AWS: Machine Learning Foundations
• Cyber Security Operations (CISCO)
• 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 : Financial accounting for non accounting roles
• Business Management: Project Management
• Agile Leadership and Management (in collaboration with the Agile Business Consortium)
• Management of Change: Organisation Development and Design

Green Technologies

• Climate Change: Transforming your Organisation for Sustainability

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)
• Artificial Intelligence (PG Cert)
• Audiovisual Post-production (PG Cert)
•  Cinematic Architecture (PG Cert)
• Data Analytics (PG Cert)
• Software Development (PG Cert/PG Dip)
• Introduction to Games Technologies (PG Cert)
• Digital Transformation Toolbox
• Leading Digital Innovation
• Innovation Strategy for Digital Disruption

Green Technologies

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

Manufacturing and Engineering

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

Life and Health Sciences

• Nursing Care of the Older Person in Care Home Settings (PG Cert)

• Biostatistics and Bioinformatics

• PG Cert Foundations in Applied Psychology Practice

Leadership and Management

• Leading Transformation through Cultural Change
• Operations and Supply Chain Management (PG Cert)
• Business Analytics Essentials (CLI)
• Emerging Leaders (CLI)
• Leading Productivity (CLI)
• Strategic Change Leadership for Digital Transformation
• CMI Entrepreneurial Leadership

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
• Professional Software Development

Green Technologies

• Energy Management and Green Technology
• Hydrogen Safety
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems 

Life and Health Sciences

• Coding Skills for Biologists
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring
• Molecular and Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Pharmacogenomics Informed Prescribing

Engineering and Manufacturing

• Biomedical Engineering
• Manufacturing Management
• Mechanical Engineering

Leadership and Management

• Understanding International Business

Financial Services

• Business Analysis and Consulting PG Cert

Other

• Business Sustainability and Innovation
• Strategic Marketing

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

Stranmillis University College

• Blended Learning (PG Cert)
• Education Leading Skills Development (PG Cert)
• Education: Digital Skills (PG Cert)
• Education: Stem Skills (PG Cert)

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

• Stranmillis University College 

Digital

• Cyber Security Essentials
• Digital Marketing and Social Media OCN L4
• Data Analytics using BI
• Machine Learning using Azure
• HTML & CSS
• Programming in Java
• Programming in Python
• 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
• AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

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 L2
• Award in Transition to Playwork L2 Award
• 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
• Infant and Child Mental Health Level 2 Award

Leadership and Management

• ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management 
• ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management (Extended)
• ILM Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management
• ILM Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management (Extended)
• ILM Level 3 Award in Coaching and Mentoring

Engineering and Manufacturing

• L2 Award in Welding

Green Technologies

• Award in Hydrogen Skills OCN L2
• Award in Hydrogen Skills OCN L3

Other

• Get into Business
• Get into Digital Industry
• Get into Hospitality
• Connect to Tech
• Supported Learning Connect to Tech
• Payroll in Business IAB Level 2 
• Women Returners: Press Refresh Programme - Stage 1 - Employability
• Women Returners Programme - Business Administration L3

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

Northern Regional College

Digital

• Digital Marketing L2
• Digital Prototype Design and Manufacture
• Social Media L2
• Social Media and Digital Marketing
• Cyber security L4

Green Technologies

• Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance
• Hybrid Electrical Vehicle Repair L3
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology L3

Engineering and Manufacturing

• Welding Level 2
• Engineering Technical Support L2

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 L3
• Award in Supporting Individuals with learning difficulties Level 3
• Award in Understanding Protection and Safeguarding L2
• Awareness of Dementia
• Awareness of Mental Health and Wellbeing L2 
• Meeting the Needs of Learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Mainstream Classroom L2 & L3
• Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children L2 & L3
• Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs L3
• Understanding adverse childhood experiences and building resilience L4
• Working with Parents Level 4
• Supporting Adults with Autism Level 3
• Tackling Domestic Abuse Level 3
• Counselling Level 2
• Transition to Playwork Level 3 
• Awareness in Loneliness L2
• Diploma in Mental Health L3
• Homecare Internship L2
   

Leadership and Management

• ILM Leadership and Management L3 & L5

Trade, Export and Logistics

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

Other

• Business Development Skills L3

• Principles of Customer Service Level 2

• Tour Guiding Level 2

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

• Bookkeeping L2 & L3

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation L4

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

North West Regional College

Digital

• Cisco Scaling Networks (Cybersecurity)
• Digital Marketing Level 2
• Digital Marketing Level 4
• Kick-start IT Programme (Strabane)
• Kick-start Cyber Security L2
• OCN NI Exploring Social Media L2
• OCN NI Spreadsheet Software L2 & L3
• OCN NI Website Software L3
• OCN Cybersecurity L2

Health and Social care

• Awareness of End of Life Care L2
• Dementia Awareness L1 & L2
• OCN NI Mental Health Awareness L2
• Phlebotomy Award L3
• Phlebotomy Level 3 Certificate
• Substance Misuse Level 2
• Using Mindfulness Techniques to reduce anxiety in children and young people Award L3
• Working with Parents Award L4
• Award in Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse L3
• Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching & Learning in Schools L3
• Award in Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences L3
• Understanding Autism Spectrum Conditions L3
• Award in the introduction to Holistic health and Complementary Approaches L3
• Certificate in Working with Parents L4

Engineering and Manufacturing

• Level 1 Award Welding
• Level 1 Certificate Welding
• Welding - Level 2
• Electric Vehicle IMI L4

Leadership and Management

• CIPD L3
• CIPD L5

• ILM Level 3

• ILM Level 5

Financial Services

• Level 1 Manual Bookkeeping & Accounts

Green Technologies

• Environmental Sustainability L3
• Certificate in Practical Horticultural Skills L2

Other

• Business Development Skills L3
• Women Returners - Business Administration L3

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 L4
• Level 2 Award in Social Media
• Level 4 Digital Marketing
• Siemens Certified Mechatronic Systems Assistant L3

Green Technologies

• Automotive Refrigerant Handling
• Domestic Electrical Installers
• Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment
• Electrical Energy Storage Systems
• F-Gas
• Green Technologies Level 5 Award Certificate and Extended Certificate
• HVO Bio Oils
• Intro to Hydrogen Boilers
• Installation and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pumps
• L3 & L4 Hybrid
• Managed Learning Programme Gas
• OFTEC
• Retrofitting Award, Certificate and Extended Certificate L5
• Solar PV
• Solar Thermal
• Unvented Training and Assessment
• Water Regulations for Heat Pumps
• Picoscope Training
• Introduction to Low Carbon Housing L3
• Hydrogen Safety L2
• Reducing Energy in Buildings L2
• Retrofit L2
• CO2 Refrigeration Systems Service and Maintenance L3
• Hydrocarbon Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems Installation, Servicing and Maintenance L2
• Electrical Installation Inspection, Testing, Certification and Reporting L3
• Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Systems in Dwellings L3

Health and Social Care

• Level 2 Health and Social Care
• Neurodiversity in the Workplace L3

Engineering and Manufacturing

• Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
• Heavy Vehicle Repair Level 3 IMI
• Periodic Inspections and Testing
• Welding Skills MIG/TIG
• Brazing Techniques for Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump systems

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
• Women in Leadership in Engineering - CMI Award in Management and Leadership
• CMI Coaching and Mentoring L5
• CMI Leadership and Management L3

Trade, Export and Logistics

• Trade & Export - Introduction to International Trade Management L3
• Trade & Export - Transportation and Documentation L3
• Trade & Export - Fundamentals of International Business L3
• Trade & Export – Global marketplace L3
• International Trade Customs Practitioner Award L3
• Finance of International Trade L4
• International Physical Distribution L4
• Trade - The Business Environment L4
• Trade - International Marketing L4

Other

• Innovation in Practice L2
• Train the Trainer L3
• Women in Leadership – Executive Mentoring Programme

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 Data Analytics
• Level 5 Certificate in Data Analytics
• Level 3 Award Animation
• OCN Level 4 Cyber Security
• OCN Level 5 Certificate Cyber Security
• OCN Level 2 Introduction to Cyber Security
• Digital Marketing and Social Media L4
• Graduate Opportunities in Cyber, Cloud and Data Analytics L2 & 3

Engineering and Manufacturing

• Programmable logic controllers L3
• Pneumatic and hydraulic systems L3
• OCN Industrial Robotics - Programming and Application Level 3
• OCN Industrial Robotics - Programming and Application Level 4
• 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 L3

Health and Social Care

• 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
• Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs Level 3
• Paediatric First Aid 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
• Certificate Advanced Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Techniques L5
• Certificate in Applied Mathematics for Laboratory Science

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 L3 & L5
• Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management
• Award in Leadership & Management Level 5

Other

• Women Returners - Diploma in Business Administration L3

Further information and details on how to apply can be found at Skill Up Flexible Skills

South West College

Digital

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

Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction

• Assembling and Testing Fluid Systems Level 2
• Autocad 2D Level 2
• NOCN Bim/ Revit Level 4
• Passive Housing Designer Level 4
• Passive Housing Tradesperson Level 4 
• Welding and employability Level 2

Health and Social Care

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

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.

Further information