About National Learning Network (NLN)
National Learning Network (NLN) provides a range of flexible training courses for people with a disability, mental health issues, illness or additional support needs. We are the largest private provider of personalised education, training and employment services in Ireland. We meet you where you are and get you where you want to be. We deliver our programmes through blended learning, which means a mixture of on-site and off-site training.
Our training programmes span many disciplines, including Art, Administration, Sports and Recreation, Graphic Design, Culinary Skills, Computing and Horticulture. We work with people who experience health conditions, illness, disability, mental health difficulty, trauma, addiction, economic isolation or challenging life circumstances. We support people to make successful transitions, whatever their stage in life.
We can help transition from school to the adult environment with access to vocational training, support with getting a job, recovery and wellness, improving people’s health, enhancing the quality of life and achieving successful inclusion in the community. NLN’s services are aligned with international best practice social and vocational rehabilitation models. You can talk to our experienced staff today about which course best suits your needs. You may want training to find a job, learn some new skills or go on to further education or apprenticeship. Call us today and learn to change your story.
Our programmes include work experience and offer nationally recognised qualifications, including QQI, ECDL, and City and Guilds. These nationally recognised qualifications ensure students are ready to get a job or further education. NLN provides personalised training, education, employment and community-based rehabilitation supports and services to people who need additional specialist support to progress their education, training or life plan.
Our supports

We deliver over 140 accredited vocational training programmes at levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 on the (QQI) Quality and Qualifications Framework supporting students to reach their educational potential
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.
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.
Contact your local centre today to find out which courses best suit your needs