1. Home
  2. Business and investment
  3. Labour Market Partnership

LMP Programmes

Contents:

Gamified Essential Skills Learning Programme

Learn, play, and grow your confidence...all without exams

The Lisburn and Castlereagh Labour Market Partnership is delighted to launch an exciting new Gamified Learning Programme, delivered by Studyseed CIC.

This innovative programme helps adults build confidence and gain an accredited qualification in Maths and/or English through interactive, game-inspired learning.

Say goodbye to exam stress and classroom routines - this programme makes learning hands-on, personal, and genuinely enjoyable. The sessions have are practical, engaging sessions designed to make learning enjoyable, relevant, and rewarding.

What is gamified learning?

Gamified learning takes the most enjoyable parts of games such as earning points, moving through levels, and taking on friendly challenges - and applies them to education.

Instead of traditional lessons, participants take part in hands-on activities and mini challenges where progress is visible and celebrated.

Learners earn points as they complete tasks, unlock new levels, and watch their skills grow each week.

The approach makes learning feel less like school and more like personal achievement. It’s about having fun while building skills that genuinely matter in everyday life.

What’s included

Running from October 2025 to March 2026, the programme will take place at several venues across Lisburn and Castlereagh. 

Interactive weekly sessions

Learn through fun, practical classes led by experienced tutors. Each session is designed to make learning collaborative, enjoyable, and supportive, with a focus on applying Maths and English to real-world situations rather than simply working from a textbook.

Personalised mentoring and the Workplace Ready Programme

Every participant will receive at least 12 hours of one-to-one mentoring to help identify strengths, set personal goals, and plan next steps.

Alongside this, you’ll complete the Workplace Ready Programme — a structured series of sessions focused on building employability, confidence, and communication skills.

These sessions include:

  • Support with CV writing and personal statements
  • Mock interviews and constructive feedback
  • Help with job applications and identifying transferable skills
  • Guidance on volunteering, training, and employment opportunities
  • Confidence-building activities to prepare you for future success

By the end of the mentoring and workplace sessions, you’ll have a clear action plan, an updated CV, and a renewed sense of confidence in your next steps towards work or further study.

Recognised qualifications

Participants will work towards an accredited Entry Level 1-Level 2 qualification in Maths and/or English, achieved through continuous tutor assessment rather than a formal exam. This qualification is nationally recognised and provides an important stepping stone for future education or employment.


Who can apply

We’d love to hear from you if you:

  • Live in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area
  • Are 18 or over
  • Are economically inactive (not currently in employment)
  • Have no formal qualification in Maths or English
  • Can commit to attending all programme sessions, including mentoring

Please note: those in full-time education are not eligible to apply.

You will gain

 

Everyday confidence

Learn how literacy and numeracy fit into everyday life — from budgeting and managing bills to writing emails and completing forms.

Problem-solving skills

Develop the confidence to approach challenges logically and creatively, using practical examples drawn from daily life.

Communication skills

Gain the ability to express yourself more clearly, both in writing and conversation, helping you connect better with others at home, in the community, and at work

Digital know-how

Learn to use online tools and digital platforms safely and effectively — a valuable skill in today’s technology-driven world.

Lifelong learning skills

Discover that learning can be enjoyable and achievable, building the confidence to continue developing your skills long after the programme ends.

You will achieve:

 

  • A recognised qualification: An important step towards further education or employment
  • Renewed confidence: Belief in your own ability to learn and succeed
  • Practical, job-ready skills: The abilities employers value most
  • A sense of pride: Knowing you’ve achieved something meaningful
  • New connections: With supportive mentors, fellow learners, and local employers

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re ready to build your confidence, learn new skills, and open doors to future opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Jayne Hamilton or Danielle Pickering at Studyseed CIC:

Email: info@studyseed.co.uk

Phone: 07599 804844

Web: www.studyseed.co.uk/gamifiedlearning 

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.