Yes. Support is given to students with literacy and numeracy needs to help them complete their course.
For further information on National Learning Network and the courses we provide, please contact your local centre. Find your nearest centre here
National Learning Network believes strongly in students being able to express their needs and goals. We offer support for people who need help in doing this. The National Representative Council (NRC) is National Learning Network’s service user forum. The purpose of the forum is to represent the views and opinions of National Learning Network students, and to ensure that they participate in National Learning Network’s decision-making processes.
This largely depends on the type of course you intend doing. At the end of our courses most students can choose between getting a job or moving on to further education, or a combination of both.
National Learning Network offers nationally recognised qualifications to students in all its courses countrywide including QQI, European Computer Driving Licence and City & Guilds. These cover a wide range of personal development and vocational skills. The type and level of the qualification depends on the course you are interested in.
When you start with National Learning Network you will meet the staff in the centre and other students. This will help you to settle in and make friends. During the first three months you will get an opportunity to find out if the course suits your needs and goals. You will be assisted by our staff to make a plan for yourself that will help you to say what you want and identify the supports that you will need.
We do our very best to assist you to be able to attend our courses. Transport requirements are assessed on individual basis, e.g. location of the service, etc. Please contact your local centre secretary with any queries you may have regarding transport.
Yes. All National Learning Network centres are designed, developed and selected with a particular emphasis on accessibility. An in-house building specification also exists for National Learning Network centres. (This draws on a combination of best practice, existing use of facilities, Part M of the Building Regulations 1997 and the NDA publication ‘Building for Everyone’.)
The majority of National Learning Network programmes are open entry, which means that you can start at any time of the year. Our courses vary in length from six months to three years and you may get an extension if you need it.
The majority of courses run for 30 hours per week, although some people attend part-time particularly at the start. Normally, the course starts at 9am and finishes at 5pm, Monday to Thursday. On a Friday courses usually finish at 2.30pm. Students on National Learning Network courses get 25 days holidays per year (2/3 weeks in the summer and one week at Christmas).
We will be happy to advise you of the details of your course when you meet with us.
Yes. Visitors are always welcome. You should ring the centre for an appointment to make sure that there is someone available to give you a tour and answer any questions you may have. Contact details for all our centres are available here.
Yes. You will keep the financial benefits you currently have. You should contact the secretary at your local centre if you have any queries regarding benefits
There are no formal entry requirements. You just need the will to succeed. Some courses do have an assessment period, this is to ensure that the course is suitable for you. Students on National Learning Network courses must be over 16 years of age and we welcome students of all ages to NLN.
All of our courses are free to students. They are funded by the Education and Training Boards or the HSE.
NLN is Ireland’s largest non-Government training organisation and caters for over 5,000 students every year. There are no formal entry requirements. Your training will be individualised to meet your training needs, aspirations and goals.
NLN will offer you supports that will not only help with your training but can assist you in relevant aspects of your life. You will hold onto your current financial benefits and in addition you may obtain a training allowance from SOLAS or the HSE.
