UPSKILL WITH SECBA
Practical training designed to help you thrive in today’s industries

Cross Border Learning Hub
Through an easy-to-explore hub, individuals and employers can search for fully-funded courses from Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), Southern Regional College (SRC), Cavan Institute and Monaghan Institute.
SECBA (South East Cross Border Alliance) courses are designed to help individuals and employers build skills for the future and are funded through PEACEPLUS.
Who are these courses for?
Individuals
For learners, it’s a place to discover funded courses whether you’re starting out, re-skilling or looking to take the next step.
SECBA offers learning opportunities which are relevant to high-growth sectors such as business, sport, software and biopharma
EMPLOYERS
For employers, it’s a simple way to find funded courses and build your workforce with confidence.
SECBA helps you explore relevant courses that can strengthen the people in your business and feedback loops throughout the programme will ensure that the courses remain relevant for your organisation.

How it Works

1. Explore
Search by area of interest or sector to find courses that match your interests. www.secba.org

2. Apply
Navigate to the education provider directly through the platform.

3. Learn
Qualifications recognised in both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.
explore cavan institute secba courses
SECBA (South East Cross Border Alliance) courses are designed to help individuals and employers build skills for the future and are funded through PEACEPLUS.
Laboratory skills for Industry
This course builds confidence in modern laboratory environments through hands‑on training and essential safety practices. Learners will master core techniques such as distillation, chromatography, titration, and advanced biological analysis, while developing practical expertise in microbiology, protein work, and DNA separation. Designed to meet industry standards, the programme equips participant
Effective Team Dynamics
Strengthen your ability to work confidently and effectively as part of a team in any professional environment. This module explores how teams function, the roles people play, and the skills needed to collaborate, communicate and solve problems together. Learners engage with real‑world team scenarios, develop team development skills, practise leadership techniques, and build strong communication strategies for both formal and informal team settings. Ideal for anyone preparing for modern workplaces where teamwork, initiative and shared responsibility are essential.
Nutrition
Build a strong foundation in food science, healthy eating and nutritional wellbeing. Learners explore how food fuels the body, the role of nutrients, digestion, dietary needs across life stages, and the impact of nutrition on health and disease. The course blends theory with practical activities, including food testing, menu planning and interpreting food labels. Ideal for anyone interested in health, fitness, childcare, healthcare or progressing to further study in nutrition.
Exploring the Microbial World
Exploring the Microbial World introduces learners to the unseen organisms that shape health, industry and the environment. It explores bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae and viruses through practical lab work and clear scientific explanation. Learners will culture micro‑organisms, prepare media, carry out staining techniques and use microscopes to identify key microbial groups. The course also examines food safety, contamination, sterilisation and the factors that influence microbial growth. It builds confidence in aseptic technique, scientific reporting and safe laboratory practice. This is a skills‑focused introduction to microbiology for anyone curious about how micro‑organisms work and why they matter.
Biology Through Practice
Exploring Biology Through Practice introduces learners to biology through real laboratory and field investigation. It focuses on understanding cells, plants, micro‑organisms, genetics and ecology in a practical, hands‑on way. Learners will use microscopes, culture micro‑organisms and apply fieldwork techniques to study habitats. The course builds confidence in scientific methods, safe lab practice and accurate data recording. It also develops scientific literacy and problem‑solving skills. This is an active, engaging introduction to how living systems work.
Understanding the Human Body
This course provides a clear, structured introduction to anatomy and physiology, exploring how the human body is built and how its systems work together. Learners study cells, tissues, organs and major body systems—including skeletal, muscular, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, urinary and integumentary systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding how these systems interrelate and maintain overall health. The course also supports the development of scientific vocabulary, critical thinking and independent learning skills.
Sport and Exercise Injury Prevention
Gain practical, hands‑on skills in sports injury prevention, treatment techniques and rehabilitation strategies used across fitness, coaching and athletic environments. This module equips learners to recognise common sport and exercise injuries, understand their causes, and apply first‑aid principles including R.I.C.E.R. Learners also explore NSAIDs and other treatments, assess functional strength, examine footwear and protective equipment, and practise proprioception, resistance and flexibility exercises used in pre‑habilitation and rehabilitation programmes. Ideal for anyone working with athletes or interested in safe training, recovery and performance.
Customer Support and Relations
Develop confident, professional customer‑care skills and learn how to deliver exceptional service in any industry. This module builds strong communication, problem‑solving and service‑recovery techniques while exploring customer expectations, complaint handling and workplace standards. Learners gain practical experience through real‑world scenarios, preparing them for frontline roles in retail, hospitality, administration and support services. A valuable qualification for anyone aiming to excel in a customer‑focused environment.
Graphic Design with Canva
This beginner friendly Canva course teaches you how to create beautiful, professional quality graphics. Whether you're building a brand, growing a business or simply want to make eye catching visuals for social media, this course gives you the tools, skills and confidence to bring your ideas to life, such as... - Navigate the Canva interface and use core tools to create digital graphics. - Apply basic design principles (layout, colour, typography) to produce visually appealing content. - Create professional‑quality graphics for social media, branding, and business use. - Use templates, images, icons, and text effectively to communicate ideas visually. - Customise designs to suit different purposes and audiences. - Export and share completed designs confidently in appropriate formats.
Beyond the Basics of Coaching Sports Teams
Take your coaching to the next level with this practical 4-day programme designed to enhance athlete performance, development and wellbeing. Learn how to enhance player performance, development, and wellbeing through topics including speed and agility, sports psychology, strength and conditioning, nutrition, athlete monitoring, injury prevention, and effective communication. Combining expert-led sessions, practical activities, and real-world coaching strategies, this course will provide you with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to create more effective training environments and better support your athletes both on and off the field. Duration: 4 Saturdays (1 session per week). This course is free to applicants as it is fully funded by the SECBA - PEACEPLUS Programme.
Intro to Process Efficiency and Cost Savings for Business using LEGO Serious Play
Learn how to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and uncover hidden costs in everyday business processes through an engaging LEGO® Serious Play® approach. Facilitated by a certified LEGO® Serious Play® practitioner, this hands-on programme helps participants develop practical process mapping and improvement skills that can be applied immediately to create smarter ways of working, improve efficiency, boost productivity, and deliver greater value across their organisation. Discover how small improvements can make a big impact. This interactive 3-week programme uses LEGO® Serious Play® to help professionals identify inefficiencies, uncover hidden costs, and explore practical ways to improve business processes. Through hands-on workshops, participants will develop real-world solutions that can be applied immediately within their own organisation. Please note: if demand is high, we will run two separate cohorts, one on Thursdays and one on Fridays. Each cohort will attend three evening sessions of three hours over three consecutive weeks. This course is free to applicants as it is fully funded by the SECBA - PEACEPLUS Programme.

Contact Us
If you have any questions, please get in touch. You can apply online through our website. We have an FAQ page, and course fees are easily accessible.





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