OCN NI's New Suite of Qualifications – Launched October 2026

OCN NI has added nine new qualifications to its prospectus this October, spanning Artificial Intelligence, Construction, Manufacturing and the Green Economy.

From Level 1 Climate Change qualifications to building Generative AI applications in the cloud at Level 5, this new suite of qualifications gives learners and OCN Recognised centres across Northern Ireland more routes than ever to gain industry recognised skills.

Whether you're starting out, retraining, leading a team or building a specialist trade, this new suite of OCN NI qualifications is designed to help you build skills, confidence and progress into further learning and/or employment.

The new qualifications at a glance:

AI is reshaping how organisations work, from automating routine processes to creating new products and services. OCN NI's four new AI qualifications offer a clear progression route from Level 3 to Level 5.

• Each qualification is achieved by completing one unit and is open to learners aged 18 and over. 
• Click on the qualifications above to learn more or reach out to your contact at OCN NI to deliver them.

Construction remains one of Northern Ireland's most important sectors, creating opportunities for skilled tradespeople across a range of disciplines. This qualification helps learners develop the knowledge, skills and competence to work in:

• Brickwork
• Plastering
• Wall and floor tiling

Learners will also gain essential health and safety knowledge, helping them work confidently and safely across construction environments.

• To achieve the qualification, learners complete the two core units, including the multiple-choice component of the Applied Health and Safety in Construction unit, plus at least three units from one optional pathway.
• Click on the qualifications above to learn more or reach out to your contact at OCN NI to deliver it.

Manufacturing and engineering organisations are continually looking to improve efficiency, quality and productivity. This qualification equips learners with the knowledge and practical approaches to identify challenges, improve processes and support operational excellence.

• Learners complete one unit (10 credits).
• Click on the qualifications above to learn more or reach out to your contact at OCN NI to deliver it.

Sustainability is now an essential consideration across every sector. Three new qualifications at Level 1 and 2 give learners an accessible starting point in green skills, from understanding climate change to applying sustainable practices at work.

1. OCN NI Level 1 Award in Introduction to Careers in the Green Economy introduces learners to the growing range of jobs and career pathways in the green economy. (Qualification currently being uploaded to the website).

2. OCN NI Level 1 Award in Introduction to Climate Change and Energy Efficiency helps learners build an understanding of climate change and the practical steps that improve energy efficiency at home and at work. Learners complete one unit (3 credits). Open to learners aged 14 and over.

3. OCN NI Level 2 Award in Sustainable Workplace Practices helps learners understand how sustainable practices apply in the workplace and how individual actions contribute to environmental improvement. Learners complete one unit (3 credits). 

• This qualification sits alongside the OCN NI Level 2 Award and Certificate in Sustainability in the Workplace, and offers progression to further sustainability learning.
• Suitable for school leavers, employees, jobseekers and anyone interested in environmental responsibility, these qualifications develop practical knowledge that applies across a wide range of industries.
• Click on the qualifications above to learn more or reach out to your contact at OCN NI to deliver it.

"From the perspective of NWRC, the Level 2 Award in Sustainable Workplace Practice provides an accessible introduction to sustainability and offers a valuable starting point, with the Level 2 qualification enabling learners to apply sustainability principles confidently in real workplace settings."

• Industry-recognised qualifications from Entry Level - Level 5
• Flexible delivery through OCN NI centres across Northern Ireland
• Clear progression pathways to higher-level qualifications
• Practical skills learners can apply immediately in the workplace
• Support for career development and employability

Explore the new OCN NI qualifications and discover how we can help you develop the skills needed for today's workplace.

OCN Centres interested in delivering any of these qualifications can contact their OCN representative.

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 028 9046 3990