For apprenticeships, see finding work.
Quick facts
- Essential Skills
- Free
- Assured Skills Academies
- Training linked to real vacancies
- Training allowance
- Up to £185 a week
- Age
- 18 or over
- Childcare
- A contribution may be available
Essential Skills
All Essential Skills courses are free. You can do them in a college, at work or with a community organisation at different times of the day, and gain qualifications employers recognise.
Assured Skills Academies
Assured Skills Academies offer short pre-employment training courses, designed with companies in Northern Ireland that have current job vacancies. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have the right to work and train in the UK.
You will receive a maximum weekly training allowance of £185, and may be eligible for a contribution towards childcare costs.
Further education and foundation degrees
Further education colleges offer flexible training and qualifications. Most courses begin in September, but short and part-time courses may start at other times. Foundation degrees, mainly taught in further education colleges, mix academic and work-related learning and can lead on to university.
Common questions
Are Essential Skills courses free in Northern Ireland?
Yes. All Essential Skills courses are free.
Do Assured Skills Academies pay you?
Yes. You get a weekly training allowance of up to £185, and may get help with childcare.