Developed with industry partners, we offer academies that will provide hands-on learning, industry insight, and direct pathways to employment through placements, interviews and recognised qualifications.
Developed with industry partners, we offer academies that will provide hands-on learning, industry insight, and direct pathways to employment through placements, interviews and recognised qualifications.
The NextGen Childcare Academy is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge, skills and understanding needed for a rewarding career in early years education and care.
This five-week programme provides an introduction to working with young children and leads to the OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Early Years Learning, Care, and Development qualification.
What You Will Learn
Throughout the course, you will explore key aspects of early childhood education, including:
Principles and Values in Early Years.
Child Development (Birth to 5 Years).
Baby and Young Child Care.
Social and Emotional Development.
Creative Activities for Development.
Health & Safety in Early Years Settings.
Safeguarding Children.
Employability Skills.
This academy is the perfect stepping stone if you are looking to start or advance your career in early years education.
Eligibility criteria
You must:
Reside in the Mid and East Antrim area.
Be over 18 years of age.
Demonstrate a commitment to fully participating in all aspects of the academy.
Not be participating on any other programme.
Interested?
Contact: pamela.steele@nrc.ac.uk or lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
The CleanTech Hydrogen Academy, in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Council and Labour Market Partnership, offers free training 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.
Eligibility criteria
You must be 18 or over and a resident of Mid and East Antrim.
To Apply
Contact pamela.steele@nrc.ac.uk or lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
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?
Contact pamela.steele@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 NI Direct.
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 Mid and East Antrim Manufacturing Task Force and funded by the Gallaher Trust, 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.
You do not require any qualifications to be eligible for a place.
How to Apply
Contact:
E: business.engagement@nrc.ac.uk
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