Skills Focus
The Department for the Economy has made upskilling and reskilling a priority in growing the Northern Ireland economy to meet its changing demands. Through the Skills Focus Programme, companies can receive up to 90% funding to support the cost of training.
Eligibility Criteria
- Registered Business (includes Social Enterprises but does not include charity or community groups)
- Based in Northern Ireland
- Less than 250 employees
- Need to develop staff at Level 2 and above in priority sectors
A Business Engagement Officer will discuss individual business training needs and complete a brief skills audit. This will determine the need for upskilling or reskilling staff and the benefits it will have to the future of the business. A tailored delivery plan will be created, implemented and delivered and will enable the company, and its employees, to introduce new skills to their workforce.
Courses Available In the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council Area:
| Course Title | Start Date | Duration | Location | Cost to Employer with Skills Focus Discount (90% inc below) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C&G Cocktail Making L2 | 11 Sep 2025 | 6 weeks 5pm-9pm | Coleraine | £25pp |
| ILM L3 Certificate Leadership & Management | 15 Sep 2025 | 30 weeks 6pm-9pm | Online | £129pp |
| ILM L3 Award Leadership & Management | TBC | TBC | Online | £56pp |
| ILM L5 Certificate Leadership & Management | 15 Sep 2025 | 30 weeks 6pm-9pm | Online | £129pp |
| Accounting Technicians L4 Cert | 15 Sep 2025 | 30 weeks 6pm-9.25pm | £309pp | |
| OCN NI Tour Guiding L2 Award | 16 Sep 2025 | 8 weeks 6pm-9pm | Coleraine | £30pp |
| OCN NI L3 Certificate Tour Guiding | 5 Sep 2025 | 20 weeks 9am-1pm | Coleraine | £114pp |
| NVQ Diploma L2 Professional Cookery | 8 Sep 2025 | 30 weeks 9pm-5pm | Coleraine | £257pp |
| CIPD L5 People & Management | 15 Sep 2025 | 30 weeks 2.30pm-9.15pm | Ballymena | £257pp |
| C&G L2 Award Principals of Customer Service | Flexible to suit business needs (onsite or in collaboration, min numbers 12 per class) | One full day or two half days - 10hrs | Coleraine or on employer site | £12pp |
| eadership In H&SC L4 | 15 Sep 2025 | 30 weeks 9am-3.30pm | Online | £197pp |
| Awareness of Dementia L2 | 30 Sep 2025 | 8 weeks 6.15pm-9.15pm | Coleraine | £30pp |
| End of life Care L2 Award | 2 Oct 2025 | 10 weeks 6.30pm-9.30pm | Online | £31pp |
| Awareness of Mental Health & Wellbeing | 17 Sep 2025 | 8 weeks 6.30pm-9.30pm | Online | £30pp |
| Supporting Adults with Autism L3 Award | 25 Sep 2025 | 6 weeks 6pm-9pm | Online | £26pp |
| Transition to Playwork (from early years) L3 Award | 15 Sep 2025 | 18 weeks 6.30pm-8.30pm | Online | £51pp |
| AI for Industry | Oct 2025 (TBC) | TBC | Online | TBC |
| Youth Work L2/3 | Sep 2025 | 30 weeks 9.30am-1.30pm | Ballymoney onsite (hybrid) | TBC |
| C&G L2 Welding | Jan 2026 (TBC) | TBC | Coleraine | £49pp |
| L2 EV Hybrid Maintenance | Jan 2026 (TBC) | TBC | Coleraine | TBC |
| Green Technologies L5 Award | 16 Sep 2025 | 12 weeks 6.30pm-9pm | Online | £74pp |
| Hydrogen Applications & Technologies L3 Award | 9 Oct 2025 | 3 weeks 9am-4.45pm | Online | £29pp |
Register your interest today by emailing gabrielle.quinn@nrc.ac.uk
