What makes NLN different?
National Learning Network provides training and specialist support to people who, for a variety of reasons, may find it difficult to gain employment. Whatever your circumstances – whether you are long-term unemployed, have an illness or a disability – National Learning Network can help you.
As Ireland’s largest non-governmental education and training organisation, we offer over 70 different training programmes from art and cookery to computer and business skills in centres across the country. So, whatever your interests, we have the training programme for you!
You can access courses in a variety of ways: in your local centre, with a local employer; or even from the comfort of your own home. All National Learning Network training programmes are funded through The Educational Training Boards or the Health Service Executive and therefore most students receive an allowance for participation. 90% of students who completed a training programme with us last year went on to further education or training.
Our Courses
National Learning Network has a wide range of training and further education training programmes that can open the door to exciting new careers and employment opportunities for you. From business and computer skills, through to graphic design, art and leisure studies, National Learning Network has the course where you can achieve your full potential. Our courses offer a variety of awards including QQI (Level 1-6), ECDL, MOS and City & Guilds. National Learning Network facilitates students to recognise previous learning in order to gain a credit towards a full award.
Our vocational courses are funded by the ETBs and include the following: Arts, Craft and Media, Catering, Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure, Business Studies and Administration, Computer and IT, Horticulture and Environment, and Career Exploration and Employment.
We also offer a large number of rehabilitative training programmes which are designed to assist students in improving the quality of their lives through greater inclusion and involvement with the local community and through learning new skills. Our rehabilitative programmes are funded by the HSE.
Watch videos of students’ experiences of courses here.
Search for a full list of courses in your area here. To apply for a course or training programme contact your local National Learning Network centredirectly.
Why choose National Learning Network?
At National Learning Network we pride ourselves on the flexibility of our courses, which are all designed to meet the individual needs of each student. We set ourselves apart from other training bodies by addressing all the factors that will affect a student’s prospects of obtaining and retaining a job in their chosen field. Our unique system of training delivery enables students to reach their potential in a manner that takes account of personal, social and environmental requirements.
All of our courses contain community integration initiatives such as work experience participation and involvement with local community activities and events. In addition to centre-based training programmes, students can also avail of Employer Based Training with host companies or blended learning training programmes that enable students, particularly those with mobility or transport difficulties, to study from home. A comprehensive range of additional supports, such as career planning, personal and social skills and literacy and numeracy, is also available.
Flexi-skills, the name given to National Learning Network’s method of training delivery sets us apart from other organisations. This includes: personalised learning and employment plans, strong labour market focussed training, flexible duration, flexible course content, flexible hours, and blended learning involving in-centre training, employer-based learning and e-learning.
e-Learning is available as standard on all NLN programmes and services. NLN has a state-of-the-art and very user friendly e-learning system that contains thousands of learning and support resources including course notes, training videos, online quizzes, weblinks, discussion forums and more.
Mental Health Services
Over the past number of years, National Learning Network has significantly increased its development of services for people with mental health difficulties. In line with the Government policy A Vision for Change, the organisation has embarked on the development of best practice services incorporating a recovery ethos. This means that the service is geared around the recovery of each person and how best this can be achieved.
Our mental health services now include Personal Recovery Programmes (including WRAP etc) and we have also developed generic Wellness for Mental Health Programmes. Our services have been developed within the community and offer courses that meet the demands of each person regardless of where they are on their recovery journey.
National Learning Network provides mental health services within its extensive range of QQI accredited courses across a range of levels. All of our managers, instructors, rehabilitation officers, resource teachers, social skills facilitators, psychologists and advocacy officers have had extensive training in this field.
Student Representation
National Learning Network believes strongly in students being able to express their needs and goals. The National Representative Council (NRC) enables National Learning Network students to play a full role in decisions made about the services that they receive. Every student is automatically a member of the NRC.
The purpose of the NRC is to ensure that the needs and wishes of National Learning Network students are represented in decision-making at all levels of the organisation. At local level, each National Learning Network training centre has a representative committee made up of students from each course. These committees meet regularly and liaise with staff and managers to address issues of importance to students.
The NRC is facilitated by dedicated staff who provide supports to local committees to enable them to play an active role in policy and decision-making within National Learning Network and the wider Rehab Group.
For further information, please contact info@nln.ie
