LMP Programmes

Makaton is a unique communication programme that uses symbols (pictures), signs (gestures) and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.

If you are a registered childminder in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area and looking to develop your communication skills, then this training is for you.  Level 1 training provides a practical introduction to the Makaton Language Programme specifically to those working with children.

When looking after children, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment lays the foundation for every child’s development.  By becoming Makaton friendly, your setting can help children feel included, empowered and confident to participate in daily activities.

Eligibility criteria

• be a registered childminder in our council area
• be aged 18+ 

Apply

Use this link to apply online

Are you ready to boost your skills and gain a qualification in numeracy or literacy without the stress of exams?

The Lisburn and Castlereagh Labour Market Partnership is excited to offer an innovative Gamified Learning Programme.  Delivered by Studyseed CIC, this programme has been designed to help you achieve an accredited qualification in an interactive non-classroom learning environment. 

What is gamified learning?

Gamified learning is a teaching approach that uses game-like elements to make learning more interactive and engaging. It takes the parts of games that people enjoy—like earning points, levelling up, completing challenges, or getting rewards—and applies them to educational activities.

For example, instead of just reading a book or solving math problems, participants can earn points or badges for completing tasks. They could move up to higher "levels" as they master new topics or compete with friends to see who can solve a challenge first.

The idea is to motivate students by making learning feel like a game, where there is a sense of achievement, progress, and sometimes friendly competition. 

What we offer

This unique programme will run from October 2024 to March 2025, and sessions will be held at multiple locations across Lisburn and Castlereagh. Here’s what you can expect:

• interactive weekly classes: fun, hands-on sessions with two experienced tutors to make learning engaging and enjoyable
• personalised mentoring: a minimum of 12 hours of one-on-one mentoring to support your individual learning journey, enhance your CV, and interview skills
• accredited qualifications: gain a recognised qualification in Numeracy or Literacy—without the need to sit for an exam!

Programme start dates

There will be two numeracy and two literacy courses.  Their start dates and locations will be allocated once eligible participants have been identified.

Who can apply?

We are looking for motivated individuals who meet the following criteria:

• residents of the council area
• aged 19 or over
• are economically inactive
• have no formal qualification in numeracy or literacy
• will be available for all programme sessions and committed to the weekly schedule, including the mentoring sessions

NB - those in full time education are not eligible to apply.

What you will learn

• Practical everyday skills: discover how literacy and numeracy are part of everyday tasks, such as budgeting, filling out forms, or managing daily routines
• Problem-solving skills: learn how to tackle real-life challenges by improving your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Communication skills: gain the confidence to express yourself clearly in writing and conversation, skills that will benefit you both personally and professionally
• Tech-friendly learning: get familiar with using digital tools and online platforms valuable skills in today’s tech-driven world
• Real-life applications: literacy and numeracy will become tools you will use every day, not just skills to tick a box

What you will achieve

• A recognised qualification:  you will achieve an Entry Level 1 qualification in numeracy or literacy - a vital step towards further education or employment opportunities
• Boosted confidence:  you will gain confidence in your ability to learn and grow, breaking free from any negative experiences with education in the past
• Job-ready skills: improve your employability by mastering skills that employers are looking for, opening the door to better job opportunities or promotions
• A sense of achievement: completing the programme will give you pride in your abilities, knowing you have accomplished something meaningful
• Networking opportunities: connect with mentors, fellow learners, and local employers, building a network that could support your career development
• Lifelong learning skills: develop a passion for learning and gain the tools to continue your educational journey, even beyond this programme

How to apply

If you meet the criteria and are ready to take the next step towards your future, contact us today. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your skills, gain a qualification, and build a brighter future.

Contact Jayne Hamilton or Danielle Pickering at Studyseed CIC:  
Email: info@studyseed.co.uk 
Phone: 07599 804844 
Web: www.studyseed.co.uk/gamifiedlearning 

Multiply programmes

We will be running four numeracy programmes under the regional ‘Multiply programme’ to increase the numeracy skills of its adult residents in fun, interactive and engaging ways.

Three of these will be delivered by Studyseed CIC and one by Stepping Stones on our behalf.

Information on the four programmes is below.

What is Gamified Learning?

Gamified learning is a teaching approach that will be used by Studyseed CIC in the delivery of their three programmes.  It uses game-like elements to make learning more interactive and engaging. It applies the elements of games people enjoy e.g. like earning points, levelling up, completing challenges, or getting rewards to educational activities.

For example, instead of just reading a book or solving math problems, participants can earn points or badges for completing tasks. They could move up to higher "levels" as they master new topics or compete with friends to see who can solve a challenge first.
The idea is to motivate students by making learning feel like a game, where there is a sense of achievement, progress, and sometimes friendly competition. This helps keep participants interested and encourages them to stay involved with the material.

Bootcamps provided using gamified learning

The Lisburn Castlereagh Labour Market Partnership is thrilled to introduce three Community Numeracy Bootcamps designed to enhance numeracy skills for:

1.  Asylum seekers, refugees, newcomer communities.
2.  Mature Learners aged 40+ living in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.
3. Those who need or lack numeracy skills but to not wish to engage in a formal educational setting. 

Programme highlights

• practical learning: understand budgeting, managing household finances and supporting children’s education
• tailored support: flexible delivery options, including online and in-person sessions, with additional wraparound services like childcare and transport
• accredited qualifications: gain an Adult Numeracy Entry Level 1to 3 or Level 1to 2 qualification or participate in non-accredited sessions based on your needs
• inclusive environment: multilingual materials, culturally relevant content, and peer learning opportunities to foster collaboration and belonging

Why join?

Participants will:

• build confidence in everyday numeracy tasks
• enhance employability and access to further education opportunities
• benefit from ongoing mentoring and holistic support to overcome personal and educational challenges
• connect with a community of learners and mentors to foster social inclusion

Who can apply?

If you meet the following criteria, we encourage you to apply for one of the following numeracy bootcamps:

1.    Maths for Speakers of Other Languages (MSOL):

• a resident of the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area
• aged 19 or over and without a formal numeracy qualification
• able to commit to an innovative learning journey from January 2025 to March 2025

2. Mature Learners

• a resident of the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area
• aged 40+ and without a formal numeracy qualification
• able to commit to an innovative learning journey from January 2025 to March 2025

3. Need or lack numeracy skills

• a resident of the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area
• aged 19 or over and without a formal numeracy qualification
• able to commit to an innovative learning journey from January 2025 to March 2025

How to apply

Take the first step towards a brighter future! Contact our delivery agent Studyseed CIC to learn more about eligibility and secure your spot:

📧 Email: info@studyseed.co.uk
📞 Phone: 07599 804 844

Spaces are limited—apply now to become part of a programme that transforms lives and builds stronger communities! 

SPARX Programme

Who is this for?

This is targeted at those with additional needs, are over 19 years of age and do not have Maths GCSE Grade C.  Participants should want to develop their numeracy and employability skills as well as build confidence. 

What you will learn

Through a bootcamp facilitated by Stepping Stones you will have a unique learning opportunity that is fun and innovative for those that do not respond to traditional classroom-based learning. 

Assistance offered

Participants will be able to meet supporting trainers and staff at the start of the programme.  They will provide one to one mentoring training support tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of the participant.  

Programme goals will be tailored to each individual and an action plan detailing short, medium and long term goals will be set.
  
From this, participants have the opportunity to attain an adult Numeracy Entry Level 1 qualification that may signpost to higher level of qualifications.

This programme is currently open for applications!  There are a minimum of 40 places. 
To register your interest please email: LMP.Multiply@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk  

All activities will be delivered face to face within community facilities that are accessible and have creche facilities for parents/carers. 

Numeracy Upskilling Programme

Who is this for?

This programme is aimed at empowering existing and potential community leaders with a series of sessions that cover fundamental concepts and practical skills tailored to the needs of the community groups attending.

What will you learn

The modules will include:

1. Introduction to bookkeeping

• Understanding the importance of bookkeeping for community groups
• Overview of basic accounting principles

2. Setting up financial systems

• Establishing a simple accounting system suitable for community groups
• Choosing accounting software or templates for record-keeping

3. Chart of Accounts

• Explanation of common accounts used e.g. income, expenses, assets, liabilities
• Creating a customised chart of accounts relevant to community groups

4. Recording transactions

• How to accurately record income and expenses
• Documentation required for different types of transactions

5. Bank reconciliation

• Understanding bank statements and reconciling them with financial records
•  Identifying and rectifying discrepancies

6. Budgeting basics

• Developing a basic budget for community projects or activities
• Monitoring budget

7. Financial reporting

• Generating simple reports e.g. profit and loss statement, balance sheet
• Interpreting financial reports to assess the financial health of the community group

8. Compliance and regulations

• Overview of legal and regulatory requirements
• Responsibilities regarding tax obligations and reporting

9. Internal controls

• Implementing internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud
• Best practice for transparency and accountability

The sessions will involve hands-on practical experience of recording transactions and preparing financial reports; and analysing real-world community group scenarios to apply bookkeeping concepts.

Assistance offered

Facilitators will ensure there is an open forum for questions and discussion. 

Participants will have access to a Virtual Learning Environment toolkit with specially developed resources and additional links to support their ongoing learning.

Participants will be signposted to formal qualifications such as computerised accounts.

This programme is coming soon.  To register your interest please email: LMP.Multiply@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk 

Are you unemployed, work less than 16 hours a week or would like to seek better employment opportunities?  Do you have aspirations to run your own business but are unsure where to start? 

The independence of running your own business can bring tremendous benefits. However, the process of setting up a business can be daunting.  Our Self-Employment Support Programme will provide you with a grant of up to £500 for the initial stages of setting up your business, along with critical skills and knowledge to venture into the self-employment marketplace.  

This opportunity is open to anybody within the council area who is currently unemployed or under-employed.  

The programme offers 8 weeks’ worth of one-to-one support to prepare you for the world of self-employment.  Mentoring and training support from trained professionals in the industry will allow you to explore your options, test ideas, write plans and start your business. 

Topics covered will include marketing and social media training, financial planning, HMRC assistance, procurement and confidence building.  

Grants of up to £500 are available to you at the initial stages of starting your business to assist in the purchase of essential equipment to start your journey to self-employment.  

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply you must be:

• economically inactive, unemployed or work less than 16 hours per week
• a resident of our area

Need some extra advice and guidance

Please do not hesitate to contact our delivery agent Eamonn Cavlan from Tangible Consulting to arrange a consultation. Email him at eamonn@tangibleconsulting.co.uk

If you would like more information about the Labour Market Partnership or other council programmes available, please email the Programmes Team at LMP@lisburncastereagh.gov.uk or call 028 9244 7615.

This programme aims to support and train individuals with a disability who are either currently out of work or underemployed.  We want to enable your aspirations alongside a specialist mentor to address any training needs to secure a flexible placement with a suitable employer.

Programme information

Participants will be offered:

• mentoring and development of a bespoke action plan
• provision of short accredited training course (Level 1 – 3) with continuous mentoring
• 12 week placement in a relevant business or directly into employment as appropriate

You will also have the option of work placements and guaranteed job interviews with our partner employers across a range of industries and job types.  

So, if you are currently unemployed or underemployed due to a long-term health condition or barrier that you feel holds you back, get in in touch with us to find out how we can support you to thrive. 

Apply now

If you would like to apply to this programme please contact Stepping Stones NI Employment Services at support@stepping-stones.org.uk or call 07756 286448.

Need some extra advice and guidance? 

If you would like more information about the Labour Market Partnership or alternative programmes on offer please contact the Programmes Team by email: LMP@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or phone 028 9244 74615.

It is our key ambition to reduce the local economic inactivity, help those in deprived areas and under-represented groups gain employment and improve the skills of those who are currently unemployed. 

 The focus of the Into Employment programme is to support those who are unemployed move towards employment or further education. 

So, if you are currently economically inactive please keep reading. Or get in in touch with us to find out how we can support you.

What will the programme involve? 

Participants will work with a specialist mentor who will develop a bespoke action plan based on individual aspirations and training needs enabling participants to:

• build confidence 
• gain support with CV’s, application forms and interviews
• gain work experience, vocational skills and accredited qualifications from Level 1-3
• progress into paid employment

The programme will enable you to reach your full potential with free accredited training and personalised support to look for work and stay in work. 

Don’t let your current situation hold you back, our team of experienced coaches and trainers will be with you every step of the way. We will support you at your own pace with personal development, career planning and routes to employment.  

With job ready accredited training included, we can support you into a new career.  Training offered includes first aid, CSR card, food hygiene, safeguarding, health & safety, manual handling and more. 

You will also have the option of work placements and guaranteed job interviews with our partner employers across a range of industries and job types.

Apply today!

Places are limited! To check if you meet the eligibility criteria, please contact Michael at People 1st at m.carson@people-1st.co.uk 

Closing date to register is 5pm on Wednesday 31 January 2024.

For any further information, please email: LMP@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or phone 028 9244 7391.

Local employers, employees and residents across Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council are being given the opportunity to boost their business skills and to gain a Chartered Management (CMI) qualification in either Level 3, Level 5 or Level 7 through an Employee Upskilling Programme.

Our Labour Market Partnership is providing these FREE online programmes which will be delivered by South Eastern Regional College.

All programmes will be delivered online.

Who is it for?

• Individuals residing in the council area
• Staff who are underemployed or employed and seeking career progression

What courses are available?

Below is information the course options.

CMI Level 3 Award in Project Management

Participants will gain an understanding of the nature and context of projects, along with the management of stakeholders and project team roles and responsibilities.

Qualification benefits

For learners:

• enhance the skills and knowledge for project management disciplines
• build on general managerial skills

For organisations:

• developing the ability to manage organisational projects

Start date: 22 January 2025

The course will run every Wednesday from 10:00amto 1:30pm until 5 March 2025.

CMI Level 3 Award in Principles of Management and Leadership

This qualification is aimed at practising or aspiring managers who supervise or manage a team, or project officer and shift manager to achieve clearly defined outcomes. They will set and monitor goals and objectives by providing instruction, direction and guidance. Day to day operational and project activities are a key part of their role.

Qualification benefits

For learners:

• support and monitor goals
• provide instructions around objectives
• give direction and guidance
• support day-to-day operations
• effective project planning
• providing an overview of the roles and responsibilities required for managers and develop the skills required to succeed Foundation Chartered Manager offers professional recognition and access to the tools to facilitate continuing professional development (CPD) against our Professional Standard

For organisations:

• ensuring teams can meet organisational objectives
• provides a fully comprehensive bank of the knowledge and skills required to be a manager as part of an organisation
• the ability to apply learning in the context of another organisation or industry sector

Start date: 21 January 2025.  

The course will run every Tuesday from 9:30am to 12:30pm until 11 March 2025.

CMI Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership

This qualification is designed for practising middle managers and leaders at operations, division, departmental or specialist level, who are typically accountable to a senior manager or business owner. The primary role of a practising or aspiring manager and leader is to lead and manage individuals and teams to deliver the aims and objectives in line with the organisational strategy.

Qualification benefits

For learners:

• develop the skills needed to lead and manage individuals and teams
• provides a broader knowledge of skills to help you be more effective in specific management areas

For organisations:

• deliver aims and objectives in line with wider organisational strategy
• gives you a fully comprehensive bank of the skills and knowledge required to be a manager as part of an organisation
• focus on the areas that are most appropriate to your role and organisation

Start date: 21 January 2025.  

The course will run every Tuesday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm until 4 March 2025.

CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership in Practice

This qualification is designed for individuals wishing to develop strategic management and leadership practice who will have the knowledge, skills and behaviours to drive business activities in a senior, regional, specialist, director or CEO management and leadership role.

It contains a breadth of units, which are reflective of the tasks and activities required by managers in roles such as senior managers, regional management and specialist managers who are accountable to a senior manager or business owner.

This programme will include 10 hours of 1-2-1 mentoring to support the development of a Strategic Business Improvement project.

Qualification benefits

For learners:

• develop the professionalism to deliver impact and behave ethically
• demonstrate a commitment to continual learning and development

For organisations:

• learners will build on their strategic management and leadership skills to focus on the requirements of embedding the organisation's strategy
• provide skills and behaviours to drive core business activities

Start date: 21 January 2025

The course will run every Tuesday from 9:30am to 1.00pm until 8 April 2025.

Level 2 Award in Reducing Carbon Footprints through Environmental Action

The OCN NI Level 2 Award and Certificate in Reducing Carbon Footprints through Environmental Action will provide the learner with an understanding of the impact of carbon dioxide emissions on climate change and how individuals, communities and organisations may contribute to reducing these.

Qualification benefits

For learners:

• understand the role of carbon in climate change
• impact of climate campaigning
• learn about tackling single-use plastic waste
• impact of fast fashion
• understand the importance of biodiversity recovery

For organisations:

This qualification would benefit employees for all sectors who have a desire to be more carbon aware

Start date: 29 January 2025

The course will run every Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm until 19 March 2025.

Level 2 Award in International Trade, Customs and Logistics

This course explores and explains processes and procedures involved with importing and exporting goods. The course is suitable for those who are new to the industry or wishing to move into logistics.

Qualification benefits

For learners:

• new to logistics or work in a company who is importing and exporting goods.
• you will understand the roles of the key customs and trade documentation required when transporting goods internationally
• know how transportation of goods operates by sea, air, road, or rail

For organisations:

• the rules and regulations associated with the import & export of goods.
• understand how Customs and transport documents operate to facilitate international trade
• impact upon various payment systems
• advantages and disadvantages of current payment methods for both the importer and exporter
• terms of trade (Incoterms) in relation to the export and import of goods

Start date: Tuesday 25 February 2025

The course will run every Tuesday from 5pm to 9pm for 6 weeks.

Apply or register your interest

Get in touch with Business Services via email businessservices@serc.ac.uk 

Need some extra advice and guidance

If you would like more information about the Labour Market Partnership or other council programmes available, please email the Programmes Team at LMP@lisburncastereagh.gov.uk or call 028 9244 7615.