NWRC are now recruiting individuals to complete courses funded via Skill Up

The Skill Up programme 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.

If you’re aged 18 and over and eligible to work in Northern Ireland, a range of free accredited courses are available to help you re-train and re-skill, through the SKILL UP.

Skill Up Courses

Please see below the provisional list of courses to be delivered by NWRC under Skill Up. Please register your interest below.

  • Advanced Manufacturing, Materials and Engineering

    OCN NI Level 3 Award in 3D Building Modelling for Construction including MEP and Structural Design (In-Person at Strand Road Campus)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    15


     This qualification has been developed to meet the needs of people working within the construction industry who want to develop their knowledge in this new emerging technology. The course is focused on developing 3D modelling skills using specialist Revit 3D Modelling software though several diverse projects. The course also includes an introduction and an awareness of the fundamentals of BIM.

     

    Register your Interest

    OCN NI Level 3 Award in 3D Building Modelling for Architectural Design (In-Person at Limavady Campus)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    15


    This qualification has been developed to meet the needs of people working within the construction industry who want to develop their knowledge in this new emerging technology. The course is focused on developing 3D modelling skills using specialist Revit 3D Modelling software though several diverse projects. The course also includes an introduction and an awareness of the fundamentals of BIM.

    Register your Interest

  • Childcare / Health & Social Care

    OCN NI Level 2 Award in the Principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Online)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    6


     This qualification is designed to provide the learner with an introduction to the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and its associated benefits. Learners will gain to an understanding of what CBT is, will be aware of the advantages of using CBT and gain an understanding of how CBT is used in the therapeutic context.

     

    Register your Interest

    CPCAB Level 2 Understanding Substance Misuse (Online)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    10


    This qualification is designed for learners who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of substance misuse and its consequences. It is aimed at those who are currently working or supporting individuals affected by substance misuse.

     

    Register your Interest

    CPCAB Level 2 Award in Introduction to Counselling Skills (Online)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    12


     This qualification is designed for those who are interested in pursuing a career in counselling and want to learn basic counselling skills to support them in their current roles. Learners will be able to establish boundaries, communicate empathic understanding, understand the importance of self-awareness and use listening and responding skills.

     

    Register your Interest

    OCN NI Level 2 Award in Awareness of Mental Health & Well-Being (Online)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    8


     This qualification will provide learners with the knowledge and skills to work in roles that support mental health and well-being. Learners will also develop an awareness of mental health interventions and support strategies.

     

    Register your Interest

    CACHE Level 2 Understand Autism Spectrum Condition (In-Person at Strand Road Campus)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    4


     This qualification aims to develop learners understanding autism and the principles in supporting individuals with autism.

     

    Register your Interest

    OCN NI Level 2 Introduction to Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety (online)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    6


     This qualification an introduction to children’s mindfulness and reducing anxiety in children. This course will provide parents and practitioners with techniques that they can use with children and young people that will in turn help them to handle negative emotions better, and give them tools that they can use throughout their lives.

     

    Register your Interest

    OCN NI Level 3 Award in Using Mindfulness Techniques to Reduce Anxiety in Children and Young People (Online)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    6


     This qualification offers techniques, skills and strategies for reducing anxiety in children and young people using mindfulness. This course will provide parents and practitioners with techniques that they can use with children and young people that will in turn help them to handle negative emotions better and give them tools that they can use throughout their lives.

     

    Register your Interest

    OCN NI Level 3 Award in Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience (ACE’s) (Online)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    10


     This qualification was developed to help learners understand Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), their impact throughout an individual’s lifespan and how they might be mitigated or prevented.

     

    Register your Interest

    OCN NI Level 3 Award in Working with Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs (online)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    15


    This qualification is designed to provide the practitioner with the skills and knowledge required to enable them to work effectively with children and young people with special needs.

    Register your Interest

    OCN NI Level 2 Award Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children & Young People (online)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    6


     This qualification has been designed to enable the learner to understand the reasons for and effects of challenging behaviour in children and young people, how challenging behaviour may be managed and what support is available. The objectives of the qualification are to enable learners to understand the effects of challenging behaviour in children and young people and how it may be managed, to know how to seek support to deal with challenging behaviour in children and young people and to be able to plan an activity that may minimise challenging behaviour

     

    Register your Interest

    OCN NI Level 4 Certificate in Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s and Building Resilience) (Online)

    Entry Requirements

    At least a Level 3 Qualification in a relevant discipline.

    Sessions per Week

    1

    Number of Weeks

    20


     This qualification is designed for learners who wish to improve their knowledge of early brain development. The aim of this unit is to understand the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the stress response system of children and the nurturing role of the adult in supporting self-regulation through co-regulation. Aimed at those currently working with health and social care sector, education sector or within the community in a supportive role.

     

    Register your Interest

    OCN NI Level 4 Certificate Working with Parents (online)

    Entry Requirements

    Applicants must hold At least a Level 3 Qualification in a relevant discipline. Applicants must also be working in industry and engaging with parents as part of their role.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Day

    Number of Weeks

    20


     This qualification is targeted at Childcare Workers, Community Workers and Family Support Workers. The objective of this qualification is to enhance the skills and knowledge of practitioners by providing support to parents through promoting parent and child play, improving quality through parent support and supporting parents with multiple and complex needs.

    Register your Interest

    Open University Level 4 Certificate in Community Health & Recovery (In-Person at Strand Road Campus)


    This part time course, held in the evening, is informed by the latest evidence-based practice and research. It will provide essential CPD for housing staff, social workers, nurses, youth workers and staff working in the area of addiction, harm reduction and recovery. It will also be relevant to people with lived experience who now work in a voluntary capacity to support others in the recovery process.

    Entry requirements: All applications must satisfy Open University general entrance requirements for Certificate and Diploma courses. The standard offer for this course is 32 UCAS points and 5 GCSEs (Grade A, B or C) to include Maths and English or equivalent. Competence in written and spoken English is required and certificated evidence of GCSE English Language or accepted equivalent is required. Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication is acceptable

    1 Evening per week, starting Thu 2nd October 2025, 5pm-9:30pm. Fully funded by DfE via Skill Up programme.


    Register your Interest

  • Green Skills

    Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills (In-Person at Springtown Campus)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1

    Number of Weeks

    24


     This practical-based qualification equips learners with essential, hands-on skills – perfect for anyone wanting to start a professional horticulture career or develop personal interest. It is suitable for people looking to break into professional horticulture for the first time, already working in horticulture and wanting to develop knowledge further, or those wanting to develop personal interest and progress to further horticultural study at level 3.

     

    Register your Interest

    City & Guilds Level 3 Award in the Requirements for the Design and Installation of Domestic & Small Commercial EV Charging Points (Blended learning at Strabane Campus)

    Entry Requirements

    Learners must hold one of the following:

    City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (Buildings, Structures and the Environment) (2357)

    City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Electrical Maintenance) (2357)

    City & Guilds Level 3 Electrotechnical qualification (5357)

    City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Services Experienced Worker (2356)

    City & Guilds Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification (2346)

    City & Guilds Level 3 Electrotechnical in Dwellings Experienced Worker Qualification (2347)

    Other Awarding Organisations equivalences will also be acceptable

    Equivalent historical qualifications Electrotechnical Assessment Specification
    or

    ECS Gold Card issued by the JIB or SJIB – Installation Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, or Domestic Electrician

    Sessions per Week

    Part Time. Blended course with in-person and online learning

    Number of Weeks

    4


     This qualification is aimed at practicing electricians interested in understanding how to design and install the range of electric vehicle supply equipment and systems available. It is specifically designed for those proficient in designing low-voltage radial power circuits, with a focus on installing small-scale electric vehicle supply equipment in domestic and small commercial settings.

     

    Register your Interest

  • Hospitality and Tourism

    OCN Level 3 Certificate in Tour Guiding (In-Person)

    Entry Requirements

    Applicants must already hold a Level 2 Award in Tour Guiding and be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening, (subject to timetabling)

    Number of Weeks

    24


    This qualification is designed to build on the OCN NI Level 2 Award and will develop and enhance tour guiding skills and practice. It will provide learners with the practical skills and knowledge that is required to research and deliver walking and vehicle tours. This course is aimed at those who are currently working or volunteering within the travel and tourism industry.

    Register your Interest

    OCN NI Level 2 in Tour Guiding (In-person)

    Entry Requirements

    here are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    8


    This qualification has been designed to provide the learner with skills in the travel and tourism industry to enable them to develop a tour commentary and lead groups on a guided tour. The qualification will provide an opportunity to gain skills used in the tour guiding industry including understanding the role of the tour guide in the travel and tourism industry, being able to produce a short tour commentary, understanding the health and safety implications of tour guiding.

    Register your Interest

  • Software and Digital

    Level 4 Software Diploma (In Person)

    Entry Requirements

    Learners will be expected to have reached a basic level of skills and knowledge in software development and/or software testing such that they are able to develop and test rudimentary software programs. Learners would also be expected to have achieved GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above or equivalent.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Full Day

    Number of Weeks

    24


     The aim of the OCN NI Level 4 Diploma in Software Testing is to provide a range of skills and techniques that will enable learners to create a comprehensive testing strategy. This course will also assist learners to develop software testing skills to match vacancies within ICT related occupations. Course modules: Automated Software Testing Fundamentals, Software Testing, Object Oriented Programming and Structured Query Language (SQL) Fundamentals.

    Register your Interest

    OCN Level 2 Cyber Security (Online)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    14


     This qualification will enable learners to progress to higher level qualifications in the areas of information technology and/or cyber security. This qualification may also assist learners to gain employment in occupations requiring the safe and secure use of information technology.

    Register your Interest

    OCN NI Level 3 Award in AI for Industry (online)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    15


     This qualification will enable the learner to develop an understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications. The objectives of the qualification are to enable the learner to understand the history, benefits, challenges and future scope of AI from an industry applications perspective. The learner will be able to understand: AI readiness, AI and emerging technologies, digital transformation, machine learning and AI, neural networks and deep learning and AI’s implications

    Register your Interest

  • Transversal Skills

    City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Effective Coaching (online)

    Entry Requirements

    There are no formal restrictions on entry however learners must be at least 18 years of age.

    Sessions per Week

    1 Evening

    Number of Weeks

    15


     The Effective Coaching qualification will provide learners with the required knowledge, skills and understanding in order to effectively coach others within an organisational context. This is suited for those at all levels who want to develop their coaching knowledge, skills and understanding in order to enhance their ability and confidence in coaching.

    The qualifications are ideal for both new and existing coaches and those working within the area of Human Resources.

    Register your Interest

Eligibility

The Skill Up programme will be accessible to all groups, those in employment and those unemployed. The programme will seek to encourage participants from various socio-economic, academic and non-academic backgrounds. Participants will be able to avail of free courses and accredited qualifications, which will improve their skills, benefitting their employment opportunities and enhancing Northern Ireland’s continuously growing and diversifying economy.

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: Overview – GOV.UK
  • Individuals will be available to register in person at provider campus as required.
  • Individual courses may have enhanced eligibility, details of which will be provided by The Provider.