With support from the James Kane Foundation, 17 Key Stage 4 centres across Northern Ireland are introducing a new OCNNI qualification in Creative Arts and Digital Technologies. This initiative ensures that pupils—many from the most disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds—gain access to one of today’s fastest-growing industries.
Through specialised training at NERVE Belfast and Derry, W5 LIFE, and the AMMA Centre Armagh, staff will build expertise in areas such as photography, filmmaking, game development, and scriptwriting. This project will span 3 years and will train 50 teachers and CAs from across post primary and primary EOTAS centres in NI. These skills will feed directly into the classroom, where young people will not only develop creativity and technical ability but also achieve industry-relevant qualifications that strengthen their future career and education prospects and help them achieve a Level 2 qualification in CADT.
The Foundation has committed significant funding towards this project, enabling the establishment of eight new digital skills hubs across the 17 centres. Over the first year (May 2025 – August 2026), the project will engage 330 pupils, creating a lasting legacy of opportunity, confidence, and employability for some of the region’s most at-risk learners. This is the first project of its kind in NI and is getting great attention from many stakeholders in the industry such as NI Screen. All made possible with funding from JKF.