In partnership with Department for the Economy, we are excited to offer a new fully funded 3-week training course designed to support individuals with practical knowledge and real-world experience required to work in the sector.

Benefits for YOU

• Industry-recognised certification in IMI Level 2 Unit Accreditation training modules: health and safety and chassis systems
• Weekly training allowance of £185 for the length of the academy, as well as help with travel and childcare
• Guaranteed job interview with a supporting company

Eligibility Criteria

You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a right to work and to undertake Assured Skills Training in the UK at the point of application which will be verified before interview if applicable
• Not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status

Whilst there is no minimum level of qualifications required to apply for the Academy, preference will be given to applicants with Level 1 or higher English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE D-G), which will be checked before interview.

Dates and Times

Dates and times for the next Academy are TBC.

Interested? 

For further information visit: Assured Skills Academies | nidirect

In partnership with the Department for the Economy, we are excited to offer a new fully funded 8-week training course designed to support you into employment within the Early Years and Childcare sector.

Benefits 

• Industry-recognised certification in Safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene
• Supervised placement days with children to apply learning in real-world settings
• Completion of 2 micro-credential Childcare Level 2 units
• Weekly training allowance of £185 for the length of the academy, as well as help with travel and childcare
• Guaranteed job interview with a supporting company

Eligibility Criteria

You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a right to work and to undertake Assured Skills Training in the UK at the point of application which will be verified before interview if applicable
• Not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status

Whilst there is no minimum level of qualifications required to apply for the Academy, preference will be given to applicants with Level 1 or higher English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE D-G), which will be checked before interview.

Jobs and Benefits claimant payments will not be affected by training allowance or travel expenses received whilst in training.

Dates and Times

Dates and times for the next Academy are TBC.

Training hours are from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm each weekday, with days on campus, on placement and working from home.

Interested?

For further information visit Assured Skills Academies | nidirect

NI Hospitality School has partnered with Northern Regional College to offer a 12-Month, hands-on Chef Training Programme.

Ready to turn your passion into a profession?

This course provides the opportunity to a rewarding career in the hospitality industry for those with the passion and commitment to succeed.

With real-world experience and expert support, you will:

• Train in real hotel kitchens
• Learn from top chefs
• Get paid while you train
• Gain a recognised FDQ Level 2 Diploma

Why Join?

• Full-time, practical training
• Competitive hourly pay
• Supportive, structured mentorship
• Guaranteed job with leading hotel partners: Galgorm, Adair Arms, Tullyglass House Hotel

The aims of these qualifications are to: 

• Meet the needs of candidates who wish to work in the hospitality industry.
• Allow candidates to learn, develop and practice the skills required for employment and/or career progression in the hospitality sector.

Dates and Times

Training will take place in our Ballymena Campus.

Ready to step up to the plate?

To apply and for further information visit NI Hospitality School

The Hospitality Academy, a partnership between Northern Regional College and the NI Hospitality School, offers a five-week hands-on training programme to help you gain essential industry skills. 

Training is delivered at Galgorm Resort, Ballymena and includes: 

• Practical skills workshops. 
• Guest speakers from local hospitality businesses.
• Work placements. 
• A guaranteed interview with a quality hospitality employer. 

Eligibility and Financial Support 

• Open to all adults 18+ living in the Ballymena area. 
• No formal qualifications are required to attend this course.  
• Aimed at those not in education, employment, or training, but open to everyone. 
• You must be willing to complete a placement visit at a quality employer. 
• £50/week allowance for the 5-week duration of the course and £60 bonus for full attendance.    
• £50 completion bonus. 
• £10 daily food allowance. 
• Daily travel allowance (max of 44p per mile) 
• Payments are made a week in lieu. 
• Jobs and Benefits claimant payments will not be affected by training allowance, travel expenses or any bonus received whilst in training. 
• Excellent chance of part-time or full-time permanent employment with an excellent local employer 

Interested? 
This is planned for September 2026

For more information, contact donna.mccullough@nrc.ac.uk

Funded by Gallaher Trust 

In partnership with NI Hospitality School, we are offering: 

• Level 2 Award in Professional Bartending (Cocktails) City & Guilds. 
• FDQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Chef.  

Courses are a mix of online and in-person training, giving you the flexibility to earn while you learn. 

These qualifications are designed to help you: 

• Start or progress in your hospitality career. 
• Build practical, in-demand skills. 
• Boost your chances of employment. 

For further information visit NI Hospitality School 

Interested in a career in manufacturing? The Welding Academy offers a seven-week intensive course (including two weeks of work-based training) to help you prepare for welding jobs in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. 

You will get: 

• A guaranteed interview with a participating company if you successfully complete the course. 
• £155 weekly training allowance. 
• Weekly travel expenses. 
• Childcare allowance (if eligible). 
• An industry-recognised welding qualification 

How to apply 
For further information, eligibility criteria and to register your interest visit Assured Skills Academies | nidirect

Join Northern Ireland’s first Hydrogen Training Academy, led by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and delivered by Northern Regional College. 

You will train in a new state-of-the-art training pod at Silverwood Business Park in Ballymena and gain hands-on experience in: 

• Hydrogen testing using mixed-gas systems. 
• Commercial gas equipment. 
• Carbon reduction technologies. 

A second facility, based at the College’s Ballymena campus, will teach the basics of green hydrogen production through specialist equipment, ideal if you’re entering or upskilling in the clean energy industry. 

For further information, contact: 

Alan Reid, Innovation Manager 
E: alan.reid@nrc.ac.uk 

The Manufacturing Academy, delivered in partnership with the MTF Network and Mid and East Antrim Manufacturing Task force, offers a five-week pre-employment training programme to help you gain the skills and confidence to secure employment in the sector. 

Taught by industry experts, you will learn a range of manufacturing processes, standard operating procedures, quality control and lean techniques.  You will also have the opportunity to develop ‘softer skills’ such as communication, team working, interview skills and CV building to enhance their job prospects. 

Benefits for YOU 

• £60 weekly training allowance. 
• Daily food and travel allowance. 
• Guaranteed job interview leading to potential employment.
• College certificate. 
• Links to further training programmes. 

Benefits for EMPLOYERS 

• Access to new pre-trained employees who fully understand the core principles required to succeed in today’s manufacturing sector. 
• Links to Jobstart Scheme if new employees aged 18-24. 
• Involvement in developing training at industry standards. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• You must be 18 years of age or over and live in the wider Ballymena area. 
• Availability to attend all sessions – to qualify you will be required to confirm attendance at all sessions at 35 hours per week

Dates and Times
To be confirmed.

For Further Information and To Apply
E: donna.mcullough@nrc.ac.uk 

In partnership with Mid and East Antrim Council and Labour Marketing Partnership, we are offering an opportunity to upskill you or your staff in the field of Hydrogen Technologies.  This training is FREE as part of the Cleantech Upskilling Academies.  

You will gain experience in:

• Hydrogen Generation, Storage & Distribution.
• Safe Use of Hydrogen.
• Operating Principles of Hydrogen.
• Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Transport.

You will also explore renewable energy technologies, including:

• Solar Energy (Photovoltaic)
• Wind Energy
• Heat Pumps
• Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Repair
• Energy Efficiency in Older Buildings

This programme is open to Mid and East Antrim residents aged 18 years and above and who wants to enhance their skills and knowledge in the clean energy sector.  

For further information
E: pamela.steele@nrc.ac.uk or lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Supported and funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Labour Market Partnership, Northern Regional College are offering a FREE 4 day upskilling programme designed to help develop skills and knowledge you need for a career in hospitality.   

Eligibility

You must be:

• A resident in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.
• Unemployed or simply wanting to upskill.

You will achieve:

• Level 2 City & Guilds Principles of Customer Service and an Introduction to Hospitality.
• Employability Skills and Meet the Employer opportunity.

Dates & Times:

Dates and times for the next Academy are TBC

For more information contact gabrielle.quinn@nrc.ac.uk