Learn more about the Belfast Region City Deal including various programmes such as Employability and Skills and Digital Futures.
The Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD), signed in December 2021, is a £850 million investment partnership between Belfast City Council, five partner councils, two universities, and four regional colleges, including Northern Regional College. With support from the UK Government, Northern Ireland Executive, and private sector, the Deal aims to create up to 20,000 jobs over 10–15 years. It will drive inclusive economic growth across sectors like life and health sciences, digital and creative industries, and advanced manufacturing, while supporting infrastructure, tourism, and skills development. Northern Regional College is proud to support this collaborative effort to meet future employment needs.
Northern Regional College is working closely with BRCD partners to shape the Employability and Skills Proposition, which outlines how partners will collaborate to maximise the impact of city deal investments expected to create up to 20,000 jobs. The College sits on the Employability and Skills Board and is developing an action plan to align skills and talent with future job opportunities, using existing resources and exploring new initiatives. The proposition focuses on three core themes: Skills for Inclusion, creating socially inclusive pathways to employment; Skills for Growth, aligning training with sectoral needs and apprenticeships; and Skills for a Digital Future, enhancing digital literacy and business transformation.
The Digital Futures Programme was an early success for the BRCD Partnership, launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to support inclusive and sustainable recovery through digital transformation. Established by a dedicated task group, the programme aimed to boost digital skills and create employment pathways aligned with industry needs. Delivered by Further Education colleges and supported by the Department for the Economy, it provided graduates—especially from non-tech backgrounds—with training in Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, or Cyber Security, followed by a 10-week internship with a local employer. This collaborative initiative showcased how agile, innovative partnerships can deliver practical, future-focused solutions.
Learn more about the Belfast Region City Deal including various programmes such as Employability and Skills and Digital Futures.
To discover more about Belfast City Deals visit the website.
To discover more about employability and skills programme visit the website.
To discover more about Digital Futures visit the website.
© Northern Regional College