A landmark initiative, the North South ESTEEM Project, has launched to address long-standing barriers in education and workforce mobility across the island of Ireland. Supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, the project is led by Atlantic Technological University in partnership with Ulster University, North West Regional College, Donegal Education and Training Board, and the Centre for Cross-Border Cooperation.

For decades, learners and skilled professionals have faced “invisible borders” created by differing qualification frameworks, accreditation processes, and regulatory requirements. ESTEEM, short for Education, Skills & Training: Empowering Economic Mobility, aims to dismantle these obstacles, creating a seamless pathway for study and employment from April 2025 to June 2029.

The initiative focuses on three strategic strands: enhancing student mobility, improving portability of employment skills, and developing a research-driven strategy to align education and skills systems with the demands of an all-island economy. Pilot studies will test practical solutions, while policy recommendations will propose reforms to licensing and regulatory frameworks, addressing gaps that have historically limited movement and opportunity.

Leaders emphasise the project’s potential economic impact. Paul Hannigan, VP for Cross Border Engagement at ATU, highlights how removing barriers in education and workforce recognition will not only expand opportunities for learners but also drive cross-border collaboration and economic prosperity. Professor Malachy Ó Néill of Ulster University notes that the investment supports regional innovation, access, and transformation, while Leo Murphy of North West Regional College points to the initiative’s role in delivering clear, actionable pathways for learners and skilled workers alike.

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre added that North South ESTEEM demonstrates the power of collaboration in tackling shared challenges and generating measurable benefits for citizens on both sides of the border.

Explore the full article to see how ESTEEM will reshape cross-border education and workforce mobility.