The Skills Connect Programme is led by the NOW Group, and is in Partnership with the Cedar Foundation, Open College Network NI, Ulster University and Dundalk Institute of Technology, and funded by the PEACEPLUS programme. It aims to support individuals with disabilities, neurodiversity, brain injuries, or long-term health conditions with academies running in Belfast, Ballymena, Newry, and online. The programme is designed to address critical skills gaps in sectors such as employability, hospitality and tourism, health and social care, and the green economy. Through 12-week training academies and inclusive learning pathways, Skills Connect seeks to empower participants to access higher-level skills and meaningful employment, with participants receiving an OCN qualification and an Amazon gift voucher by the end of the 12-week course.
We will be running a Hospitality Academy in January, based in Newry and online, that we are looking for participants for. The academy will focus on customer service and health and safety and address critical skills gaps in the Hospitality sector.
