Archibald announces third Assured Skills Academy in Early Learning and Childcare
Date published:
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced 16 high quality training places on an Early Learning and Childcare Assured Skills Academy.
This Academy, fully funded by the Department for the Economy, is an opportunity to obtain supervised childcare experience and gain industry recognised qualifications and skills to take up potential Early Learning and Childcare roles with companies in Belfast and outlying areas plus counties Antrim, Armagh and Down.
Successful applicants will study accredited training modules covering safeguarding, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene and manual handling during 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 and have a vital role to play.
"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 for a role in this sector.”
Interim Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met, Damian Duffy said: “We are proud to be working with our network of childcare providers to deliver the third Department for the Economy-funded Early Learning and Childcare Academy.
“With demand for skilled early years professionals continuing to grow and a workforce shortage putting pressure on services, this initiative will help create the qualified practitioners needed to support children’s development and strengthen the sector for the future."
The Academy will be delivered from Monday 16 February to Friday 1 May 2026.
Upon successful completion of the Academy participants will be offered an interview with one of the supporting companies. Offers of employment will be solely at the discretion of the companies following the interview.
Eligible applicants will be invited to an information session and interview which will be held week commencing Monday 26 January 2026.
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 Academy, preference will be given to applicants with Level 1 or higher English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE D-G).
The online application form must be completed by 12.00 noon on Friday 16 January 2026.
More details and to how to apply can be found on the nidirect website.
For further information please email your enquiry to assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The supporting companies are:
- Sleepy Hollow Group - Aldergrove, Crumlin, Holywood, Lisburn
- Clear Day Nurseries - Bangor, Belfast, Glengormley, Dundonald, Lurgan, Portadown and Lisburn
4. 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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