This funding will improve equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland
A total of €46,064,915 of PEACEPLUS funding has been awarded to improve equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
This funding announcement on the Area Based Regional Skills Development Programme, through the PEACEPLUS Delivering Socio-Economic Regeneration and Transformation theme, will develop and upskill 10,000 people to engage on key growth sectors, which will boost economic growth and create a more balanced regional economy.
The programme will be delivered through developing accessible infrastructure, including fostering resilience for distance and online education and training. In all, five projects will be delivered as a result of the latest PEACEPLUS funding awards:
The Southeast Higher Education/Further Education/Industry Cross-Border Alliance (SECBA) initiative, a collaborative skills partnership which aims to bridge the gap between educational outputs and evolving industrial needs in the Southeast Region. The project aims to significantly boost employability, reach out to underrepresented groups, and spur innovation and stimulate sectoral growth. This should result in a strong improvement of cross-border labour mobility and regional competitiveness.
It will be led by Dundalk Institute of Technology, in partnership with Southern Regional College, Monaghan Institute, Cavan Institute and Workplus.
The Northwest Digital Employment Pathways Training Hub (NW DEPTH) initiative, aimed at delivering a digital skills framework targeting the Northwest City Region. The project aims to establish and deliver a portfolio of upskilling programmes to the existing digital workforce. This includes ensuring 1,000 people advance up one level in the qualification framework and establishing and delivering reskilling programmes in digital and cybersecurity to another 1,000 people.
It will be led by Atlantic Technological University, in partnership with Ulster University, North West Regional College, and Donegal Education and Training Board.
The Green Accelerator Skills Programme (GRASP) Action Plan, which aims to provide equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through a variety of training schemes across the Programme Area. GRASP will include two Green Skills Academies which will cater towards ‘Women in Construction’ and ‘Labour Activation’. GRASP will also incorporate cross cutting activities, promote green apprenticeships and develop and deliver a residential carbon literacy programme.
It will be led by South West College, in partnership with Southern Regional College, North West Regional College, Irish Central Border Area Network, Atlantic Technological University, Donegal Education & Training Board, Cavan Monaghan Education, Training & Library Board, Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education & Training Board, and Future Cast.
The Skills Connect Programme, aiming to address the skill gaps in both Ireland and Northern Ireland, particularly in the areas of digitalisation and new and emerging markets.
The project aims to create a model of alternative skills development and embedding that model for sustainable and inclusive alternative skills and employment pathways. It seeks to ensure there are viable pathways to higher level skills attainment for the target groups.
It will be led NOW Group, in partnership with The Cedar Foundation, Open College Network NI, Ulster University, and Dundalk Institute of Technology.
CyberQuest, which aims to improve equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through developing accessible infrastructure, including by fostering resilience for distance and online education and training. The programme is split into three work packages: Improve Skills in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Digital, Intensive IT (Information Technology) and Cyber Security Training, and Capacity Building for Youth Workers. It will be led by Bytes, in partnership with Upskill Enterprise Ltd, REIM Training Solutions Ltd, Springvale Training Ltd, Youth Action NI, CJN Network, and Foróige, The National Youth Development Organisation.