The proposed project will develop the skills infrastructure necessary to support social and economic development outlined in Blackwater Catchment Scheme’s (BCS) Rural Development Strategy by facilitating and supporting higher education centres/organisations within the BCS area to develop and provide training opportunities through cross border partnerships, exchanges and joint ventures. Achievements: The aim of this highly successful project had been to expand the potential for economic growth in the eligible catchment namely Armagh City and District, Dungannonand South Tyrone Borough and Monaghan County Councils by enhancing residents opportunities to achieve qualifications and skills. The project worked towardsdeveloping cross-community, crossborder development in delivering of all training in the rural community as research has shown the catchment has a high traditional dependence on the agriculture industry. With a decline in this industry there was a need to encourage diversification to maintain quality of life. Emphasis was placed on targeting women and on the value of self-development with linkages to SME business e.g. restaurants/hotels. A wide range of methods were adopted to encourage uptakewith a clear branding to help participants identify training with BRP. Several events have been held to support participants and encourage new learners; these included Celebration Evenings and Information & Enrolment Evenings. The overall number of participants on training courses over the lifetime of the course was 735,exceeding set target of 440. All courses offered have been both accredited and recreational and we can clearly see cross-border and cross-community development arising.Working closely with EGSA (Connecting Learners to Learning) and AEGIS (Learning Opportunities for Learners) we have provided the opportunity for learners to attend guidance clinics thus supporting individuals looking to examine progression routes available. With many participants wishing to progress on to further training with the partnership, adult learners are re-engaging and feedback suggests that the whole process was a positive experience. Julieann Spence, Project Officer commented that the evidence presented in the final report demonstrated that the overall aim of providing learning in a rural, cross border, cross community and cross genderbasis was overwhelmingly achieved.