Here’s how we can support you and your students in taking their next step…
Every year, some of your students don’t fit neatly into a Leaving Cert Applied to college route because of a disability, a mental health difficulty, or a setback that means mainstream progression isn’t the right fit yet.
National Learning Network (NLN), part of Rehab Group, gives those students a supported, practical route into a recognised QQI qualification, work experience, and, for nine out of ten students, a job or further training at the end of it. We work in more than 50 centres nationwide, and our instructors design each programme using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles focusing on how the student learns, not a fixed curriculum.
Funded by Education and Training Boards Ireland and the HSE, NLN supports people aged 16 and over, many who have left school or college early, and need help exploring their strengths and next steps.
With personalised supports, small class sizes, and continuous intake, NLN offers accessible programmes that create pathways for students to grow, succeed, and achieve their goals.
At NLN, education is about more than qualifications. It is about confidence, independence, purpose, and real opportunity.
Courses
NLN offers a wide range of courses that can open the door to exciting new careers and employment opportunities. Our certified training courses offer nationally recognised qualifications including QQI (Level 1-6), ICDL, MOS and City & Guilds.
Our vocational courses are funded by Education and Training Boards Ireland in a diverse range of subject areas including Arts , Business Studies and Administration, Career Exploration, Catering and Hospitality, Computer Programming and Creative Media, Digital Skills, Employer-Based Training, Getting a Job, Horticulture and Green Skills, IT and Office Skills, Personal Development , Retail and Customer Service, Skills for Life and Sports and Recreation.
NLN also provides 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. These programmes are funded by the HSE.
Consider NLN if a student is age 16 or over and:
- Has a diagnosed or suspected disability, long-term illness, or mental health difficulty affecting their ability to manage mainstream FE/HE
- Has left school early, or is likely to, and needs a structured but flexible re-entry point
- Struggles with a standard classroom pace or format
- Wants a practical, work-experience-led route rather than a purely academic one
- Is neurodivergent including autistic people
- Has a general or specific learning disability
- Had an accident or injury or has a long-term illness impacting their daily life
- Is experiencing anxiety/depression or other mental health challenges
- Needs specialist additional supports to engage in education, training or work experience
Not sure? Refer anyway, NLN carries out its own assessment and support students through the academic process.
All applications to NLN must be approved by the Department of Social Protection, the local Education and Training Board (ETB) and/or the Health Service Executive (HSE). Applications for HSE funded training must be aged 18 or over.
NLN may suit the students you work with because we offer:
- Continuous enrolment (students can start any time)
- Small class sizes
- Personalised learning
- Free courses – all courses are funded by the HSE or the local ETB
- Students keep any social welfare payments they are entitled to
- Person-centred approach where every course is tailored to the student’s needs and delivered at their pace
- On-site psychologist support student’s wellbeing and learning goals
- Course sampling – many students try a course out before committing, ensuring the best chance of them gaining the training they want
- Job-seeking skills – Vocational Training Courses include job-specific modules to help students learn skills such as CV writing and interview techniques
How to refer a student to NLN
- Contact – Contact your local NLN centre or email info@nln.ie to discuss the needs of your student.
- Meet – Visit your local centre, meet our students and staff, tour the facilities and discuss course options.
- Apply – Complete an application form and health report. We will support your student through the application process.
- Sample – Students can try out a few courses to find the right one for them.
- Start – We offer continuous intake all year round so students can start when they are ready.
Please contact your nearest centre or email info@nln.ie to refer a student or find out more or arrange a visit to a centre.
