Literacy · Numeracy · ICT
Essential Skills courses in Northern Ireland.
Essential Skills are the Northern Ireland adult literacy, numeracy and ICT qualifications, delivered at Entry Level and Levels 1 and 2. They are commonly required as part of an apprenticeship or a Skills for Life & Work place where a learner does not already hold GCSE grade C / grade 4 or above in English or Maths, and they are also open to any adult who wants to build these skills.
Choose a subject
Literacy
Essential Skills Communication
Essential Skills Communication (literacy) at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2, delivered across our Northern Ireland training centres.
Find out moreNumeracy
Essential Skills Application of Number
Essential Skills Application of Number (numeracy) at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2, delivered across our Northern Ireland training centres.
Find out moreICT
Essential Skills ICT
Essential Skills ICT at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2, delivered across our Northern Ireland training centres.
Find out moreLevels available
- Entry Level
- Level 1
- Level 2 (GCSE-equivalent)
Who it is for
- Adults who want a recognised literacy, numeracy or ICT qualification
- Apprentices completing an Apprenticeship NI framework
- School leavers on a Skills for Life & Work programme
- Employers looking to upskill their existing staff
Essential Skills across Northern Ireland
Essential Skills is delivered across our training centres in Northern Ireland. Find your nearest centre, or check the Skills for Life & Work page for a town if you are a school leaver.
- Armagh
- Antrim
- Ballymena (Thomas Street)
- Ballymena (Greenvale Street)
- Ballycastle
- Bangor
- Belfast
- Carrickfergus
- Coleraine
- Derry/Londonderry
- Downpatrick
- Enniskillen
- Larne
- Magherafelt
- Omagh
- Portadown
- Lisburn
- Newry
School leaver? See Skills for Life & Work by town.
Questions, answered
What are Essential Skills?
Essential Skills are the Northern Ireland adult literacy, numeracy and ICT qualifications, delivered at Entry Level and Levels 1 and 2. Level 2 in each subject is recognised as equivalent to a GCSE grade C or above.
Do I need Essential Skills for an apprenticeship?
Most Apprenticeship NI and Skills for Life & Work programmes require completion of Essential Skills in Communication, Numeracy and ICT, unless you already hold a GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in that subject.
Who can enrol on an Essential Skills course?
Essential Skills is open to adults, apprentices and school leavers who need the qualification, and to employers who want to support their staff's literacy, numeracy or digital skills.
Where can I study Essential Skills in Northern Ireland?
Essential Skills is delivered across our training centres in Northern Ireland. Get in touch and your nearest team will confirm current availability for literacy, numeracy and ICT.
Enquire
Ask about Essential Skills
Tell us a little about yourself and your nearest Rutledge team will contact you about availability and start dates for literacy, numeracy or ICT.