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Gamified Essential Skills Learning Programme

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 

Spaces are limited, so apply now to secure your place in this exciting programme! 

Thrive - An employability support programme for individuals with a disability

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.

Employee Upskilling Programme

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.