NW DEPTH – is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) – and is led by Atlantic Technological University in partnership with Ulster University, North West Regional College, and Donegal Education and Training Board via their well-established strategic collaboration, the North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC).

The North West Digital Employment Pathways Training Hub (NW DEPTH) initiative will run until June 2029 and will see an investment of €9.9 million in digital skills in the North West Cross-Border region. An innovative portfolio of fully funded upskilling and reskilling training courses in digital and cybersecurity skills will be delivered to over 2,000 individuals.

Digital Skills are the passport to the future that can unlock access to stimulating and well-paid employment. NW DEPTH will provide a framework of digital skills courses free of charge, high-demand and cutting-edge digital skills, including:

• Information and Communications Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Data Analytics
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Digital Media

The NW DEPTH digital skills framework will encompass courses from introductory digital skills to advanced programmes at postgraduate level. ATU will deliver courses from Level 6 to Level 9 on the Irish Framework of Qualifications.

NW DEPTH addresses the key digital skills needs of individuals and enterprises in the region where cybersecurity will be a focus. This approach is based on the need for those in employment to upskill their existing digital skills to address advances in digital technologies. It also reflects that the absence of key digital skills can be a barrier to entering employment and progressing in employment.

The project will enable cross community and cross-border collaboration between the project partners which will reduce duplication and maximise the capacity to address existing and emerging skills gaps.

The NW DEPTH plan is to provide a high-quality Digital Skills framework for the North West Cross-Border region that:

• Provides opportunities to study for focused high-quality digital and cybersecurity skills awards of various lengths built around stackable smaller awards and includes leading industry certified courses.
• Reflects the personal circumstances of individual learners who in the main will be in employment, and where appropriate courses provided via user-friendly platforms will have 70%+ of delivery occurring online.
• Embraces the expertise available via the tertiary education partners, innovative regional enterprises, national/international experts, and the leading digital learning platforms.
• Addresses the full digital and cybersecurity skills spectrum from basic digital literacy to upskilling and reskilling needs of high-performing employees and employers.
• Encompasses supports from expert staff on course selection and the application process, recognition of prior learning (RPL), digital and cybersecurity career pathways, specific programme related learning assistance, and technical support.
• Ensures supports take cognisance of the challenges of working and studying and offer access via a range of platforms and devices.
• Represents innovation in quality assurance across programme development/selection, programme delivery, programme monitoring and learner feedback, and assessment processes.

PEACEPLUS is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and represents a funding partnership between the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.