Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has commended the impact of the Step Up (Skills, Training and Employment Programme), which continues to create vital opportunities for individuals facing barriers to education, training, and employment.

Funded by the Department for the Economy, Step Up provides fully funded, flexible training and dedicated mentoring support to those most excluded from the labour market. The programme equips participants with the skills and confidence needed to progress into employment or to pursue further education and training.

To date, Step Up has supported nearly 50,000 individuals across Northern Ireland, delivering training through further education colleges and higher education institutions.

At Southern Regional College (SRC), the programme has now entered its third year, with funding secured through to March 2026. The college has offered a wide range of courses, including:

  • Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (Classroom Assistant)
  • Introduction to Working in Health & Social Care and with Children
  • Barbering
  • Door Security
  • Tipper Dumper Training
  • Telescopic Handler Operator Training
  • Forklift Operator Training

An updated curriculum for 2025/26 will be announced shortly.

During a recent visit to SRC’s Newry campus, Minister Archibald met with current participants benefiting from programmes in areas such as literacy and numeracy, confidence building, childcare, construction, and hair and beauty.

Speaking at the event, Dr Archibald said:

“Step Up has been very successful in enabling people who were not in employment, education or training, or who were economically excluded, to access fully funded training right across the north.

“Participants have gained new skills and, in doing so, have returned to the world of training and work while greatly enhancing their employment prospects.

“I congratulate all participants and their mentors on their hard work and wish them the very best for their future learning and employment paths.”

The Step Up programme supports individuals through four tailored strands:

  • College Connect 16–24: For young people aged 16–24 not currently in education, employment, or training.
  • College Connect 24+: For adults aged 25+ who are not in education, employment, or training.
  • DARE (Disability Access Route to Education and Employment): For individuals with a disability or who are neurodivergent.
  • WRAP (Women Returners Access Programme): Supporting women who are unemployed or economically inactive to rebuild confidence, gain new skills, and access employment in sectors with high demand.

More information about the Step Up programme is available at: Step Up Programme at SRC