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Home / Courses / Step Up

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:

Ballymoney

Barista / Mocktail Making Taster

  • Understanding Coffee - The history and differences worldwide
  • The journey from bean to cup
  • Orientation of a coffee machine
  • Technical Tools
  • The Art of the Espresso
  • The Art of Milk
  • The Anatomy of a cocktail
  • Understanding taste
  • How to create cocktails
  • Making Mocktails

12 & 19 April, 10 & 17 May

Friday

10am - 1pm

Home baking

No previous baking experience is required. Master the basics of home baking; bake and enjoy traditional breads such as soda and wheaten bread, and pancakes. Have fun making and decorating cupcakes and learning how to make scones and traybakes.

Next date: To be confirmed

Learning Through Play

Learn and understand the importance of play in children’s development and try out a range of play opportunities.

Next date: To be confirmed

Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children

Be aware of the effects of stress on children and learn how to use mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and anxiety in children.

Next date: To be confirmed

Beauty Taster Sessions

This taster session will cover nails, facials and lashes.

Next date: To be confirmed

Ballymena, Trostan Avenue

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.

Next date: To be confirmed

Beauty Skincare, Routines, Lash and Brows

  • Basic skincare routines including exfoliation/masks/steam/deep cleansing.
  • Lash and brows e.g. Eyelash and Eyebrow tinting.
  • Eyebrow shaping.

Next date: To be confirmed

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

9 April - 18 June

Tuesday

9.30am - 11am

Learning Through Play

Learn and understand the importance of play in children’s development and try out a range of play opportunities.

Next date: To be confirmed

Nails, Manicure and Nail Care

  • Sample how to prepare nails and apply polish.
  • Learn how to apply base coat, top coat and after care.
  • Step by Step manicure

Next date: To be confirmed

Beauty Skincare, Routines, Lash and Brows

  • Basic skincare routines including exfoliation / masks / steam / deep cleansing.
  • Lash and brows e.g. Eyelash and Eyebrow tinting.
  • Eyebrow shaping.

Next date: To be confirmed

Newtownabbey

Introduction to DIY

19 April - 10 June

Friday

10am - 1pm

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