SKILL UP - The Flexible Skills Fund
Free short-term courses to improve skills
The Flexible Skills Fund has been established to help upskill and reskill individuals to meet the needs of the economy as we emerge from the pandemic and continue to grow the Economy beyond it. 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 areas such as digital, leadership and healthcare.
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 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.
To express your interest in upcoming Skill Up courses, which may commence shortly, click here.
Want to find out more?
Please click on the link below to fill out an expression of interest form.
For further course information see below:
Full details on courses running under Skill Up for 2024/25 will be confirmed shortly
Hospitality
| Course | Duration | Delivery Method | Start Date | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCN NI Level 2 Award in Tour Guiding | TBC | Online | *Applications closed* | |
| OCN NI Level 3 Award in Event management | TBC | Online | *Applications closed* | |
| FDQ Level 2 Award in Food Safety for the Food Industry | 2 days | Face to Face Dungannon 6pm-9.30pm | *Applications closed* | |
| FDQ Level 2 Award in Principles of Food Allergen Awareness and Control | 2 days | Face to Face Dungannon 6pm - 9.30pm | *Applications closed* |
Green Skills
| Course Title | Duration | Delivery Method | Start Date | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passivhaus Tradesperson | 4 Days | Blended |
*Applications closed* | |
| Passive House Designer*
*Fee may be applicable for software | 2 Weeks | EKN Skills Centre 2 days, 6 days DGN & 2 days online delivery - 9am-5pm | *Applications closed* | |
| Electric & Hybrid Vehicle level 2 | TBC | Online | *Applications closed* | |
| Electric & Hybrid Vehicle level 3 | 6 Weeks | Face to Face - *Must have achieved L2 Electric & Hybrid Vehicle | *Applications closed* | |
| Sustainability and the Green Environment | 10 weeks | Online - Evening (Limited spaces available) | *Applications closed* |
Health & Social Care / Childcare
| Course Title | Duration | Delivery Method | Dates | Enquire |
| OCN NI Level 2 An Introduction to Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children | 4 Weeks | Online - Evening | *Applications closed* | |
| OCN NI Level 3 Award in Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs | 6 Weeks | Online - Evening | *Applications closed* | |
OCN NI Level 2 Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children and Young People | 6 Weeks | Online - Evening | *Applications closed* | |
| Level 4 Certificate in Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience | 15 Weeks | Blended - Dungannon | *Applications closed* | |
| Level 3 Mindfulness for Children | 4 Weeks | Online - Evening | *Applications closed* | |
| Level 3 Transition to Playwork | 12 Weeks | Dungannon 1pm-4pm | *Applications closed* |
Advanced Manufacturing Courses
| Course Title | Duration | Delivery Method | Start Date | Enquire |
| ETCAL Level 2 Preparing and Using Industrial Robots | TBC | Face to Face Cookstown | *Applications closed* | |
| Level 1 Welding | TBC | Face to Face Cookstown | *Applications closed* | |
| Level 2 Welding | TBC | Face to Face Cookstown | *Applications closed* |
Leadership & Management Courses
| Course Title | Duration | Delivery Method | Start Date | Enquire |
| ILM Level 3 Leadership & Management | 6 weeks | Online | *Applications closed* | |
| ILM Level 5 Leadership & Management | 4 hrs x 12 weeks | Online | *Applications closed* | |
| ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership & Management - Project Management *Limited spaces left | 3 hrs x 8 weeks 12:45pm – 3:45pm | Online | *Applications closed* |
Software
| Course Title | Duration | Delivery Method | Start Date | Enquire | |
| BIM/Revit | 15 weeks | Online - evening | *Applications closed* | ||
| 2D AutoCAD | 20 weeks | Online - evening | *Applications closed* | ||
| Level 2 Cyber Security | 3 hrs x 15 weeks | Online - Evening | *Applications closed* | ||
| Level 4 Social Media & Digital Marketing (* Limited spaces left) | 4 hrs x 12 weeks | Online - Evening | *Applications closed* | ||
| Level 4 Cyber Security | 8 hrs x 16 weeks | Online - 2 evenings | *Applications closed* | ||
| Level 4 Data Analytics | 15 Weeks | Online | *Applications closed* | ||
| 12 weeks | Online | *Applications closed* |
Eligibility
The Flexible Skills Fund programme will be accessible to all groups, those in employment and unemployment. To be eligible for these courses participants must be:
- over 18 years of age;
- eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
- settled’ in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
- is a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK
- specific course entry criteria