Free Essential Skills Courses

Contact John Hueston on 07841100055 or email john.hueston@nwrc.ac.uk for information on free Essential Skills courses for your staff

The North West Regional College is a major provider of Essential Skills and works in partnership with employers, public sector agencies, employee organisations and community groups to provide suitable learning opportunities.

The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) established the Essential Skills Strategy in 2002 to address and improve the level of functional literacy and numeracy in Northern Ireland, particularly among the adult population. It's estimated that over 20% of adults are deficient in one or both of these essential skills.

Since 2002 the College has worked with employers to provide opportunities for staff to develop their skills; usually at the employer's premises. Many employers release staff fully or encourage attendance on a matched basis, with the employee meeting half the time required from their free-time. Staff development normally takes 55 hours per skill and achievement is recognised with a national qualification. It's possible to attain a Level 2 qualification deemed by DEL to be equivalent to GCSE Grade C or above in English or mathematics.

The College is currently subsidised by DEL to provide tutors for groups of staff and there is no charge to the individual.