15,000 free training places will be funded in over 250 subjects at colleges and universities across Northern Ireland.
Skill Up is the name of the new initiative, which will deliver free education in an investment of up to £23million.
Supported by the Northern Ireland Office, Skill Up will fully fund the local further education colleges and universities to deliver approximately 15,000 training places in over 250 subject areas for qualifications ranging from Level 2 up to Level 7.
Up to 7,000 places will be available in the first year.
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons launched the initiative on Wednesday, September 1.
Launching Skill Up during a visit to Northern Regional College, the Minister said he was "very pleased" to announce the initiative.
He said: “Since May 2020 my Department has funded more than 7,000 training places for people whose careers were affected by the pandemic. These courses were fully taken up and helped many people to upskill and reskill to boost their career prospects and employability.
"Skill Up will build on that success, with courses even more accessible – if you meet the entry criteria, you can apply."
Courses will be available in a diverse range of subject areas, including digital marketing, childcare, engineering, management skills and many more.
The Minister added: "With so many courses available, there is something for almost everyone – please visit nidirect for more information. It could set your career on the path you’ve always wanted."
Northern Ireland Secretary, Brandon Lewis, said the programme will boost the skills of people in Northern Ireland and reduce the skills imbalance in "key growth areas", such as digital, green technologies, life and health sciences, advanced manufacturing and engineering, and health and social care.
He said: “It will also support a range of educational opportunities from entry level to master’s qualifications, at no cost to the individual.
"This will be particularly welcomed by those whose employment was impacted by Covid-19 and who, thanks to UK Government ambitions, will have the opportunity to gain new skills leading to better employment opportunities."
Applications for all courses are open now – full details are at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/skillup
