Open College Network Northern Ireland

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Open College Network Northern Ireland The Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI) is a UK recognised Awarding Organisation based in Northern Ireland.

Our Mission is to develop and award vocational and professional qualifications, from Entry Level up to and including Level 5, that engage, enrich and equip learners for life. We are regulated by CCEA Regulation to develop and award regulated professional and technical (vocational) qualifications from Entry Level up to and including Level 5 across all sector areas. In addition, OCN NI are also regulated by Ofqual to award similar qualifications in England. We are an educational charity and an Awarding Organisation that advances education by developing nationally recognised qualifications and recognising the achievements of adults and young people. We work with centres such as Further Education Colleges, Private Training Organisations, Voluntary & Community Organisations, Schools, SME’s and Public Sector bodies to provide learners with opportunities to progress into further learning and/or employment.

We are proud sponsors of this year's Eastside Awards Post-Primary Hero of the Year Award. 🏆This award recognises an indi...
08/10/2026

We are proud sponsors of this year's Eastside Awards Post-Primary Hero of the Year Award. 🏆

This award recognises an individual from a post-primary school who inspires, supports and champions pupils, helping them build confidence, discover their potential and look towards their future.

Whether they are a teacher, principal, classroom assistant, caretaker, support staff member, pupil, or another member of the school community, we want to hear about the difference they are making.

Pupils, parents, colleagues and the wider community are all encouraged to nominate someone who deserves to be celebrated.

📅 Nominations close 16th October

👉 Nominate now: www.eastsideawards.org

Day 1 at School Summit NI! 🎓A huge thank you to all the learners and teachers who stopped by our stand today to chat wit...
05/10/2026

Day 1 at School Summit NI! 🎓

A huge thank you to all the learners and teachers who stopped by our stand today to chat with us about OCN’s range of qualifications and opportunities.

It was fantastic meeting so many of you, and we’re looking forward to another great day tomorrow.

See you for Day 2! 👋

02/10/2026

Have you nominated for the AONTAS STAR Awards yet? 🌟

The STAR Awards celebrate the incredible impact of adult and community education across the island of Ireland, recognising initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for adult learners and communities.

As proud sponsors of the Social Inclusion Award, we would encourage all organisations, groups and projects making a difference through adult learning to submit a nomination.

Whether your initiative is large or small, if it supports adult learners, AONTAS want to see it celebrated.

Nominations close on Friday 30th October 2026 at 5pm. ⏰

Full details: https://www.ocnni.org.uk/news/nominate-your-adult-learning-initiative-for-an-aontas-star-award-2027

01/10/2026

We are currently seeking External Quality Assurers (EQAs) across a range of subject areas, including:

🔹Plumbing
🔹Engineering
🔹Wet Trades
🔹Woodworking
🔹Animal Care
🔹Green Tech
🔹Sustainability
🔹Artificial intelligence (AI)

EQAs play a vital role in supporting OCN centres to implement effective quality assurance processes.

If you are interested in joining our team of EQAs, please send your CV and covering letter to [email protected].

Find out more: https://www.ocnni.org.uk/work-with-us


OCN joined learners, tutors, and lecturers at Ulster University’s York Street campus to celebrate the achievements of le...
30/09/2026

OCN joined learners, tutors, and lecturers at Ulster University’s York Street campus to celebrate the achievements of learners from Supporting Communities who recently completed their OCN endorsed course in Community Development.

From the recent learning cohort, five individuals have secured places on Ulster University's BSc (Hons) Community Development degree, marking the next step in their educational journey.

Learn more about the celebration event:
https://www.ocnni.org.uk/news/ocn-learners-at-supporting-communities-progress-to-ulster-university-undergraduate-degree-programme

At the Usel. (Ulster Supported Employment Limited) Skills for Life & Work Graduation Ceremony last week at Belfast Harbo...
29/09/2026

At the Usel. (Ulster Supported Employment Limited) Skills for Life & Work Graduation Ceremony last week at Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office, OCN's Business Development Executive, Andrea, joined learners, staff and supporters to celebrate the achievements of this year's graduates.

Andrea said:

"The graduation was filled with joy, celebration and pride. Congratulations to all the learners on their achievements. OCN's Developing Skills for Life qualifications help learners build confidence, develop independence and gain the practical skills needed for the workplace.

Through training and support, the programme helps people prepare for employment and take positive steps towards their future goals. We wish all learners every success in the next chapter of their journey."

Learn more about the Skills for Life & Work programme at USEL: https://www.usel.co.uk/skills-for-life-work

Great conversations at the UUP Conference on Saturday. Thank you to Leader Jon Burrows, Deputy Leader Diana Armstrong, R...
28/09/2026

Great conversations at the UUP Conference on Saturday.

Thank you to Leader Jon Burrows, Deputy Leader Diana Armstrong, Robbie Butler, Lord Rogan, and other party members who stopped by our stand to learn more about OCN and how education and skills can help build a more inclusive and successful society.

Learn more about OCN: https://www.ocnni.org.uk/

25/09/2026

"Never in a million years did I think I would be standing anywhere like this receiving an award."

Christina McAvoy, from Poleglass Community Association Sally Gardens, received the Third Sector Learner of the Year award at OCN's 2026 Learning Endeavour Awards.

Christina's journey is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of community learning.

Through her determination, resilience and commitment to personal growth, she has transformed challenges into achievements.

Her story demonstrates how learning can build confidence, open new opportunities and empower people to reach their full potential.

Watch Christina share her story. 💜

We were delighted to attend the SDLP Conference at the Crowne Plaza Belfast and meet with party leaders, including Clair...
24/09/2026

We were delighted to attend the SDLP Conference at the Crowne Plaza Belfast and meet with party leaders, including Claire Hanna MP and Matthew O’Toole MLA.

It was a valuable opportunity to discuss OCN’s role in supporting learners, communities, employers and the wider economy across Northern Ireland.

OCN’s qualifications continue to help address skills gaps, support lifelong learning and contribute to key economic priorities.

As conference season continues, we look forward to attending the UUP Party Conference this Saturday at Crowne Plaza.

Address

Forsyth House, Office No. 110A, Cromac Square
Belfast
BT28LA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+442890463990

Website

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