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Step Up

The Step Up Programme aims to offer support for people to re-engage with skills and education in order to access employment.

The Step Up Programme offers anyone aged 16+ a choice of four pathways, designed to meet various employment and training needs. This is FREE to attend as all costs are met by the Department for the Economy, and help is also available with Mentoring, Childcare and Travel costs. If you are looking to gain skills and education to help you get into work, the Step Up Programme could be for you. Pathways will start the week beginning 4th September 2023 across all campuses.  All Pathways are person-centred and flexible, and each student will be given personal support to help you reach your goals.  

Pathway 1: College Connect +

Designed for those aged 16-24 not in education, employment or training.

Participants will:

  • Develop an individual learning plan
  • Receive support up to a Level 1 qualification
  • Receive mentorship
  • Receive FREE expert 1-2-1 career guidance by our Careers Advisors
  • Learn new skills

Find out more and apply online.

Pathway 2: College Connect 24+

Designed for anyone aged 24+ who is unemployed or economically inactive and looking to build their skills to enter employment. This Pathway is designed to give you confidence and to develop skills.

Participants will:

  • Develop an individual learning plan
  • Receive mentorship
  • Receive FREE expert 1-2-1 career guidance by our Careers Advisors
  • Learn new skills

Pathway 3: Disability Action Route to Education and Employment (DARE)  

Designed for anyone aged 16+ who has a disability or is neurodivergent and is economically inactive or unemployed.  

Participants will:

  • Receive support through mentorship, job coaching and action planning
  • Develop an individual learning plan
  • Receive FREE expert 1-2-1 career guidance by our Careers Advisors
  • Learn new skills

Pathway 4: Women Returners Access Programme (WRAP)  

Designed for women, who are currently unemployed or economically inactive, wishing to return to education to refresh skills, to upskill and to build confidence.  

Participants will:

  • Receive support through mentorship, job coaching and action planning
  • Develop an individual learning plan
  • Receive FREE expert 1-2-1 career guidance by our Careers Advisors
  • Learn new skills

WRAP programmes include:

Ballymena

Introduction to Nails
Gel and builder application / removal

  • Sample how to prepare nails and apply gel nails.
  • Learn how to apply base coat, top coat and after care.

18 September

Wednesday

9.30 - 13.30

10 weeks, 1 session per week

Location: Trostan Avenue

For further information contact Ballymena Step Up mentor Karen Cuddy.

(Please note if first class is oversubscribed, we will create a waiting list for a further date, subject to tutor availability.)

Introduction to Craft

  • Diamond Art
  • Macrame
  • Wood Burning

October 2024

Location: Cushendall Innovation Centre

For further information contact Ballymena Step Up mentor Karen Cuddy.

Coleraine

Introduction to Nails
Gel and builder application / removal

  • Sample how to prepare nails and apply gel nails.
  • Learn how to apply base coat, top coat and after care.

September 2024

10 weeks, 1 session per week

Location: Causeway Campus

For further information contact Coleraine Step Up mentor Emma Rouke.

Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools

This course will be delivered 1 morning per week, options to attain Essential skills literacy and numeracy. Suitable for all roles in schools, developing knowledge and understanding that all those working in school settings may need.

Course content:

  • Child and young person development
  • Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people
  • Communication and professional relationships/li>
  • Equality, Diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people

The course can be taken by candidates not yet employed in schools.

September 2024

Location: Causeway Campus

Hospitality & Tourism

Units within this programme:

  • First Aid
  • Barista training
  • Stewarding / Event management
  • Customer care
  • Food hygiene
  • Intro to Catering
  • Work sampling
  • Cocktail / Mocktail making

Participants can dip in and out of provision as to what they are interested in.

Next date: To be confirmed

Location: Venue to be determined

Introduction to Craft

25 September

Wednesday

10:00 - 12:30

10 morning sessions

Location: Millburn Community Centre

(Please note if first class is oversubscribed, we will create a waiting list for a further date, subject to tutor availability.)

Magherafelt

Intro to Reflexology

  • The importance of relaxation and mindfulness
  • How to improve mood
  • Tips to help release tension, aid sleep and improve wellbeing
  • Self-care

16 September

Monday

9:00 - 10:30

Location: Magherafelt Campus

For further information contact Magherafelt Step Up mentor Shannon Smillie.

Managing Challenging Behaviour

  • Understand the effects of challenging behaviour
  • Know when to seek support
  • Plan an activity that may minimise challenging behaviour

September 2024

Location: Maghera

Newtownabbey

Introduction to Nails
Gel and builder application / removal

  • Sample how to prepare nails and apply gel nails.
  • Learn how to apply base coat, top coat and after care.

17 September – 3 December

Tuesday

10 weeks, 1 session per week

Location: Newtownabbey Campus

For further information contact Newtownabbey Step Up mentor Lauren Potts Barnley.

Level 2 Award in Support Work in schools

This course will be delivered 1 morning per week, options to attain Essential skills literacy and numeracy. Suitable for all roles in schools, developing knowledge and understanding that all those working in school settings may need.

Course content:

  • Child and young person development
  • Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people
  • Communication and professional relationships/li>
  • Equality, Diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people

The course can be taken by candidates not yet employed in schools.

18 September

Wednesday

9:00 – 13:00

Introduction to Catering

  • Give you an opportunity to sample various roles within a catering Kitchen, have a go at creating a few dishes.
  • Opportunities to gain RSPH Food Hygiene qualification and first aid if participants are interested at end of course
  • Guidance from teaching staff on possible next steps

Come along and give it a go

Next date: To be confirmed

One half day per week, 10 sessions

Location: Newtownabbey Campus

For further information contact Newtownabbey Step Up mentor Lauren Potts Barnley.

To find out which Pathway is right for you or to register your interest email stepup@nrc.ac.uk.