W5 LIFE (Learning Innovation for Everyone), in collaboration with The King’s Trust, has kickstarted delivery of a week-long Open College Network (OCN) Northern Ireland-accredited digital skills programme as part of The King’s Trust’s ‘Get Started’ initiative.
The five-day course, which commenced on Monday 14 October at W5 LIFE in Odyssey Place, will see W5 LIFE deliver modules from the OCN Level 2 in Digital Skills for Life and Work curriculum to a cohort of 16 participants aged 16 to 24. With each module mapped to the National Occupational Standards for IT and aligning with the needs of employers outlined in the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland, topics covered throughout the programme will incorporate key skills and competencies, including communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, to help participants build self-confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and adaptability.
Conor McKay, Learning Centre Lead at W5 LIFE, said: “We are incredibly proud to be collaborating with The King’s Trust on the delivery of this vital digital skills programme, aimed at inspiring and equipping young people with the essential skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world. We believe in the power of education and creativity to transform lives, and this programme is designed to do just that by offering young people the opportunity to develop critical skills.
“Through this initiative, we’re not just preparing young people for the jobs of tomorrow, but empowering them to take control of their futures, build confidence, and unlock new opportunities in a fast-evolving digital landscape. We’re excited to see how they will take the knowledge and experiences gained from this programme to shape the future and make a real impact in their communities and beyond.”
Before the beginning of the programme, participants had the opportunity to attend a taster day at W5 LIFE. This offered them the chance to learn more about and explore the different available modules, including Using Devices and Handling Information, Being Safe and Responsible Online, Using Technology to Create and Edit Information, Communicating and Collaborating Using Technology, and Using Technology to Carry Out Online Transactions.
Adam Leahy, Delivery Manager from The King’s Trust in Northern Ireland, commented: “By working together with organisations like W5 LIFE, as well as educators and the government, we can provide advice, guidance, and access to digital skills and careers for young people who so desperately need it.
“By offering programmes like this one in Belfast, we can unleash the immense talent, determination, and potential that we know young people have to offer. Doing so, we will ensure that this generation can take control of their futures and unlock the benefits a technology-led economy offers for broader society.”
Participants will receive two OCN Northern Ireland Level 2 Awards, as well as have the opportunity to further enhance their accreditations by completing three additional modules, which will see them achieve a full OCN Northern Ireland Level 2 Award for Digital Skills for Life and Work.
For more information about W5 LIFE, please click here. To learn more about The King’s Trust and its range of programmes, please click here.