APPROXIMATELY 200 Limerick jobseekers are helping to boost their prospects of returning to work by starting third level courses at the University of Limerick this year through the state-funded Springboard programme.
At Limerick Institute of Technology, a further group of jobseekers will take part in the five courses available through the programme there.
Professor Paul McCutcheon, vice president academic registrar at UL, said: “As the country strives towards a sustainable economic recovery, it is important that those who lost their jobs in recent years are equipped with skills sought by employers now and in the future.
“What unites all of the Springboard courses is that they cover areas where there is jobs growth in Limerick and elsewhere. Graduates will, therefore, be in a strong position to re-enter the workforce and embark on the next phase of their careers.”
Places on the Springboard courses are offered free to those who qualify and the courses are delivered flexibly, allowing jobseekers to retain their benefits and continue their search for employment.
The skills taught on the programmes have been specifically selected to match the current job market and concentrate on areas where there is existing and projected growth.
“We are delighted to offer programmes in areas where job prospects are solid and, in fact, there are identified skills shortages. LIT has worked intensively with key industry partners to develop these programmes and to ensure that there will be a seamless progression for students from study to work placements and – ultimately – to sustainable jobs,” commented LIT president Dr Maria Hinfelaar.
At UL, a total of 159 students recently commenced classes in the nine Springboard courses available at the university, while an additional 40 students are expected to begin courses in January.
The courses at UL provide qualifications in areas such as mobile and cloud computing, software development, international entrepreneurship, and management and human resources.
Springboard programmes at LIT include biopharmaceuticals, creative multimedia programming, and digital manufacturing and innovation.
