MORE than 400 places have been allocated to higher education providers in Limerick to provide courses under this year’s Springboard+ initiative.
And the Department of Education and Skills have enlisted the support of a Limerick database engineer to encourage local people who are unemployed, returning to work, or were previously self-employed to sign up for the free courses.
Ross Cantillon, from Limerick’s North Circular Road, began his career in construction but after he lost his job in the recession, he completed a Springboard+ course in Information Technology at Dublin City University.
“I’m now working for MongoDB which is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing database companies I could have hoped for. As its name suggests, the Springboard+ course was a literal springboard to the career I had always wanted,” he added.
For the first time this year, people in employment can also participate in Springboard+ by paying a small fee which is just ten per cent of normal course cost.
Springboard+ courses on offer in Limerick this year include Supply Chain Management, Software Development, Creative Multimedia Programming, and 3D Animation and Visual Effects.
Dr Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills and Engagement at the Higher Education Authority, said that “Springboard+ presents an exciting opportunity for people in Limerick and surrounding areas to reskill or upskill for little or no cost.
“Whether you’re working at the moment or unemployed, this is a great way to strengthen your CV, improve your skills and progress your career,” she explained.
Nationwide, over 8,000 places will be available on Springboard+ courses over the coming academic year, including courses focused on emerging employment sectors, such as Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. The number of course-places has increased by 25 per cent since last year.
Details of all Springboard+ courses are available at: www.springboardcourses.ie. Guidance counsellors are also available through the free-phone Springboard+ helpline, 1800-303523.
