Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ambition Magazine

Nick Read Director of the Business Engagement Unit at Ulster University Business School Columnist

How Ulster University’s Short Courses and Micro-Credentials Are Powering NI’s Workforce

N ick Read, director of the School, explains how micro credentials and short courses are equipping businesses across Northern Ireland with the skills they need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy. Micro-credentials are fast becoming essential for businesses responding to rapid technological change, shifting market demands, and evolving employee expectations. These focused, industry-aligned qualifications provide organisations with an agile way to plug skills gaps, strengthen capability and align learning directly with business priorities. With the World Economic Forum predicting that 39% of workers will see their current skills transformed or replaced within the next five years, the pressure is on businesses to future-proof their talent pipelines. Micro-credentials and short courses provide a clear, practical solution, supporting employees to reskill and upskill while signalling an organisation’s investment in professional growth and retention. Ulster University’s short courses are designed in close collaboration with industry. Covering priority areas such as digital transformation, leadership, data analytics, sustainability and innovation, these qualifications deliver targeted, skills-based learning. For employers, they provide a flexible way to respond to skills gaps while aligning learning with strategic objectives. For employees, they Business Engagement Unit at Ulster University Business

represent tangible investment in career development, boosting engagement and retention. This commitment to skills development is already evident in the £290 million Derry~Londonderry and Strabane Region City Deal, signed in September 2024. The deal is set to create transformational opportunities for growth across new and emerging sectors. In response, Ulster University Business School has secured over 300 fully funded places on postgraduate and professional development programmes at its Derry~Londonderry campus. These programmes will help to ensure the region develops the skilled workforce required to maximise the benefits of this historic investment, with opportunities to build expertise in leadership, data, fintech, AI, project management, sustainability, business analysis and stakeholder management. One organisation already seeing the benefits is Hunter Apparel. Speaking about their experience, the company said: “We’ve had the pleasure of participating in several DfE courses, with four of our managers completing three separate programmes so far. These courses have proven to be an invaluable resource for developing our management team. Not only have they provided key personal development and learning opportunities, but they’ve also allowed us to build a network of peers across organisations, fostering the exchange of best practices and shared knowledge. There have been some fantastic guest speakers offering personal

reflections on their journeys and priceless advice. We look forward to more of our managers joining future cohorts, as these programmes continue to offer advancement and growth for our team and the company as a whole.” At Ulster’s Belfast Campus, short courses such as Digital Transformation, Operational Excellence and Executive Leadership are also making a real impact on individuals and organisations. Participants on the Sustainable Leadership short course highlight its impact on both their businesses and personal development. One commented: “This programme was a great opportunity to learn and explore new ways to be a force for good within my business. As a catering business owner, it helped me shape my thinking around inclusive food practices and sustainable leadership, giving me the confidence to communicate what we’re already doing well.” Ulster University’s short courses and micro-credentials are helping individuals and organisations alike to thrive in a changing economy. They are not only enhancing skills but also strengthening business performance and delivering meaningful impact across Northern Ireland. For more information on how short courses and micro-credentials can add value to your business – or to explore other organisational development opportunities – please contact UUBS’s Business Engagement Team at engage@ulster.ac.uk.

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