Economy Minister Dr 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 at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/early-learning-and-childcare-academy
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 at www.economy-ni.gov.uk/articles/assured-skills-academies
