Skills Initiatives Branch

EIZ – Enhanced Investment Zone

DfE are supporting the UK government to deliver four fully-funded programmes focused on improving the Advanced Manufacturing sector. The EIZ is intended to deliver a step‑change in the productivity, competitiveness and global positioning of Northern Ireland’s Advanced Manufacturing sector over the medium to long term. These programmes will be delivered through local Further Education Colleges and Higher Education Institutions. The programmes are as follows:

Advance ME Further

This programme will deliver skills provision at Levels 3–5, supporting individuals to upskill and reskill in subject areas which are undersupplied in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector. This includes technical skills, digital capability and business / leadership and management practices that contribute to higher value employment and improved business performance.

For more information on Advance ME Further, visit Advance ME: Enhanced Investment Zone skills programme | nidirect

Advance ME Higher

This programme will deliver skills provision at Levels 6–8, supporting individuals to upskill and reskill in subject areas which are undersupplied in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector. This includes technical skills, digital capability and business / leadership and management practices that contribute to higher value employment and improved business performance.

For more information on Advance ME Higher, visit Advance ME: Enhanced Investment Zone skills programme | nidirect

Inclusive Edge

Inclusive Edge is the inclusion strand of the EIZ skills programme, focused on addressing skills shortages that constrain productivity and growth within the Advanced Manufacturing sector. 

The programme will deliver skills provision at Levels 3–5, supporting individuals to upskill and reskill in subject areas which are undersupplied in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector. This includes technical skills, digital capability and business / leadership and management practices that contribute to higher value employment and improved business performance.

Advance SME

Advance SME is an employer-focused upskilling and reskilling strand of the EIZ skills programme. The programme is designed to provide a pathway for SMEs in the advanced manufacturing sector to engage in process improvement or technology integration to enhance productivity performance.

For more information on Advance SME, visit Advance SME | Upskill and reskill support for advanced manufacturing businesses | nibusinessinfo.co.uk

Green Skills

In May 2025, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald launched the Green Skills Action Plan, which provides a framework to guide government, employers and educationalists on the skills required to deliver on decarbonisation. 

Additionally, the Department has established several expert-led working groups which oversee different aspects of the Green Skills strategy for Northern Ireland.

For more information on the Action Plan, visit Green Skills Action Plan

CITB NI

CITB NI (Construction Industry Training Board Northern Ireland) is a non-departmental public body established to promote training in Northern Ireland's construction industry. 

The Department is responsible for overseeing CITB NI, including the appointment of its board members, and provides funding and support for its activities. CITB NI's role involves various initiatives, such as grant systems for employers and training programmes to develop the construction workforce and address skills shortages.

For more information on CITB NI, visit CITB - Home