National Learning Network – Portlaoise

Skills for Work is an 18-month programme designed to support students in building the skills, confidence, and qualifications needed to progress to employment or further education. It is particularly suited to learners who benefit from structured support while developing practical workplace skills and greater independence.

Delivered across three phases, the programme combines classroom-based learning with practical activities, e-learning, and supported work experience placements. Students are encouraged to explore their strengths, interests, and career goals while developing essential employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and workplace responsibility.

A strong focus is placed on personal development, resilience, and preparing for real-life work environments. Learners receive ongoing guidance to help them set goals, monitor progress, and plan their next steps.

To achieve the QQI Level 4 Major Award in Employment Skills, students must complete 90 credits across a range of certified modules. By the end of the programme, learners are equipped with recognised qualifications, hands-on experience, and the confidence to move forward successfully.

Course Duration: 18 Months

Certified Modules

• Communications
• Customer Service
• Information Technology Skills
• Work Experience

General Learning Award 4M2010

• Functional Maths
• Health Related Fitness
• Personal Effectiveness
• Workplace Safety

Office Skills Award 4M2070

• Computer Applications
• Business English
• Data Entry
• General Office Skills

Non-Certified Modules

• Advocacy Skills
• Career Coaching
• Enhancing Work Skills
• Induction
• Personal Development / Self-Esteem
• Resilience in the Workplace
• Stress Management
• Transition Planning and Moving On

Skills for Life is a 24-month Level 3 programme designed for young adults and early school leavers who would benefit from additional support in planning their future. The programme provides a structured and supportive environment where students can explore training and employment options while developing confidence, independence, and essential life skills.

Learners are supported to identify their strengths, interests, and personal goals, while gaining practical experience that prepares them for real-world settings. A strong emphasis is placed on communication, teamwork, self-advocacy, and personal responsibility. What makes NLN different is the holistic approach — students have access to psychological supports, one-to-one coaching, and an individualised personal development and training plan tailored to their needs.

The programme combines certified learning with practical and personal development modules, ensuring students are equipped with recognised qualifications and the skills required to progress to further training, supported employment, or independent living.

Course Duration: 24 months

Certified Modules

• Career Preparation
• Work Experience
• Application of Numbers
• Personal and Interpersonal Skills
• Internet Skills
• Health and Safety Awareness
• Word Processing
• Nutrition and Healthy Options
• Health and Fitness
• IT Skills

Non-Certified Modules

• Creative Exploration
• Customer Service Skills
• Enhancing Work Skills
• Induction
• Learning to Learn
• Literacy and Numeracy
• Personal Development
• Resilience in the Workplace
• Transition and Moving On

Community Participation

The Access Level 2 programme focuses on developing students’ personal, social, and practical life skills in a supportive and structured environment. It is designed for learners who benefit from smaller group settings, individualised supports, and a strong emphasis on building confidence and independence.

Learning takes place both in the centre and within the local community, making extensive use of community facilities and real-life experiences. The programme is underpinned by New Directions, the HSE’s person-centred approach to supporting adults with disabilities. Students are encouraged to identify their strengths, interests, and goals while developing everyday skills that promote greater independence.

Work tasters and practical activities help learners explore different environments at a pace that suits their individual needs. The overall aim is to support each student to make realistic and meaningful choices about future training, employment, or supported progression pathways.

Course Duration: 3 Years

Certified Modules – Level 2

• Non-verbal Communications
• Quantity and Number
• Visual Arts
• Personal Care
• Personal Safety
• Food Choice and Health
• Health-Related Exercise
• Personal Decision Making
• Life Science
• Computer Skills

Non-Certified Modules

• Money Management
• Independent Living Skills
• Life Skills
• Leisure Activities
• Health and Safety
• Personal Expressions and Creativity
• Independent Travel
• Positive Risk Taking

The Access Level 3 programme builds on personal and social development while introducing greater responsibility and vocational focus. Students continue to develop independence, communication, and teamwork skills, alongside practical training that prepares them for further education, supported employment, or community participation.

The programme makes strong use of community-based learning and structured work experience placements, allowing students to explore different work environments and develop key employability skills. Guided by the principles of New Directions, learning is person-centred and tailored to individual strengths, interests, and abilities.

Students are supported to set achievable goals and make informed decisions about their next steps, whether that involves further training or employment suited to their capabilities.

Course Duration

3 Years

Certified Modules (QQI Level 3)

• Career Preparation
• Application of Numbers
• Personal and Interpersonal Skills
• Word Processing
• Health and Fitness
• Managing Personal Finances
• Internet Skills
• Work Experience
• Personal Care and Presentation
• Health and Safety Awareness

Non-Certified Modules

• Active Citizenship
• Gaisce Award
• Community Mapping
• Cooking
• Decision Making
• Independent Living Skills
• Independent Travel
• Induction
• Managing Change
• Managing Personal Finance
• Moving On
• Personal Discovery
• Positive Risk Taking
• Relationships & Sexuality
• Team Building

The Options Level 4 programme builds on foundational skills and supports Autistic adults to further develop independence, self-advocacy, and vocational readiness. Also funded by the HSE, this two-year rehabilitative training programme provides structured, person-centred support aligned with individual progression goals.

At Level 4, there is a stronger emphasis on advanced independent living skills, workplace preparation, social understanding, and community engagement. Learners are encouraged to take increased responsibility for decision-making and personal development, supported by a multidisciplinary team.

Using a blended delivery model of in-centre and community-based training, and guided by the New Directions framework, the programme empowers individuals and their families with practical tools and strategies to maximise independence and plan confidently for the future.

Course Duration: 2 Years

Certified Modules (Level 4)

• Communications
• Personal & Interpersonal Development
• Functional Maths
• Work Experience
• Career Planning
• Workplace Safety
• Customer Service
• IT Skills
• Computer Applications
• Teamworking

Non-Certified Modules

• Induction
• Health and Safety
• Needs Identification Assessment
• My Special Interests
• Communications
• Compensatory Education and Support
• Social Skills
• Organisational Skills
• Health and Wellbeing
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Advocacy
• Active Citizenship
• Independent Living Skills
• Community and Leisure Activities