Archibald announces second Assured Skills Academy in Early Learning and Childcare
Date published:
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced 20 high quality training places on an Early Learning and Childcare Assured Skills Academy
Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, this is an opportunity to gain industry recognised qualifications, supervised childcare experience and the skills to take up potential Early Learning and Childcare roles with companies in Belfast and outlying areas.
Successful applicants will attend a ten-week intensive training course delivered by Belfast Met at their Castlereagh campus. Delivery will primarily be in-person, supported through e-learning resource and facilitated visits to childcare settings.
Encouraging applications the Minister said: “The provision of good quality childcare is hugely important to the local economy and people with industry recognised qualifications are in high demand in this sector.
"With no previous experience required and a £180 weekly training allowance for the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travelling and childcare costs, I would urge all who are eligible and interested to apply.”
Interim Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met, Damian Duffy said: “We are proud to be working with a strong network of childcare providers to shape the second phase of this Department for the Economy funded Childcare Academy. The success of our pilot, with every participant securing employment, highlights the power of inclusive pathways into the sector.
“This next Academy continues that mission. By supporting individuals with life experience and transferable skills, we are opening doors to rewarding careers in childcare and enriching the workforce with new talent and fresh perspectives.”
Those selected for the Academy will study accredited training modules covering safeguarding, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene and manual handling.
The academy training will develop sector relevant skills including play facilitation, observation techniques, storytelling, and child development inclusive practice. Supervised engagement with children will allow participants to apply their learning in real-world settings.
The Academy will be delivered from Monday 29 September 2025 to Friday 12 December 2025.
Upon successful completion of the Academy participants will be offered an interview with one of the supporting companies. Potential location of employment includes Aldergrove, Bangor, Belfast, Crumlin, Dundonald, Glengormley, Holywood, Lisburn, Lurgan and Portadown. Offers of employment will be solely at the discretion of the companies following the interview. When employed individuals will then have the opportunity to continue their studies through the Apprenticeship Programme.
All applicants must be at least 18 years old and be eligible to work in the UK at the time of application. Whilst there are no minimum level of qualifications required to apply for the Belfast Met Early Learning and Childcare Academy, preference will be given to applicants with Level 1 or higher English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE D-G).
By applying for a place on this pre-employment training programme, applicants are committing to pursuing a job opportunity with one of the employers supporting this Academy.
More details and to how to apply can be found on the nidirect website.
The online application form must be completed by 12.00 noon on Friday 5 September 2025.
For further information please email your enquiry to assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
1. The supporting companies are:
- Sleepy Hollow Group – Aldergrove, Crumlin, Holywood, Lisburn
- Clear Day Nurseries – Bangor, Belfast, Dundonald, Glengormley, Lisburn, Lurgan, Portadown
2. Assured Skills is a pre-employment training programme run by the Department for the Economy. More information is available on the Department's Assured Skills Programme page.
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