UNIVERSITY of Limerick and Limerick Institute of Technology, will see more than 800 places with more than 30 courses available in Limerick as part of the free or subsidised places on upskilling and reskilling courses, funded under Springboard+ 2019
Launched by Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, together with the Minister of State, John Halligan TD sees 9,000 free or subsidised places on 285 upskilling and reskilling courses nationwide.
For the second year in a row, the courses will be available for those in full-time employment as well as those who are returning to work (formally known as homemakers) and unemployed or formerly self-employed.
Courses this year has a focus on digital skills, soft skills, management and leadership, and the workplace of the future. All courses address at least one of these areas in detail, with many including all four of these critical areas.
Courses on offer through Springboard+ include training in blockchain, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, virtual reality and smart factory technology.
Employees, jobseekers and those returning to work can all avail of these free or subsidised courses.
Minister Joe McHugh T.D. said, “Springboard+ training programmes provide people who are unemployed, those looking to return to the workforce and those in employment with a great opportunity to upskill or reskill in areas in which employers need skilled workers.
“As technology evolves, it brings with it new ways of doing business and new economic opportunities. The Government recognises that it is essential that people in employment have the opportunity to keep pace with these advances.”
Minister for State John Halligan T.D., added, “I am particularly pleased to see that almost 90 per cent of the courses provided under Springboard+ 2019 will be delivered in a more flexible format, which aligns with the continued opening-up of courses to learners, irrespective of their employment status. As well as aiding participation for those in employment, increased provision will allow people from all across the country to access programmes in regions other than where they reside.”
Springboard+ courses are free for people who are unemployed, those who were previously self-employed and returners to the workforce. Courses are also free for people in employment, on NFQ Level 6 courses.
For employed participants on courses NFQ level 7 – 9, 90% of the course fee is funded by the Government, with participants required to contribute just 10% of the fee.
Recent research undertaken by the HEA has shown that 90% of participants who were on the Live Register at the start of their courses are now in employment.
Candidates who wish to participate in Springboard+ 2019 will find full details on the approved courses on the dedicated information and applications website www.springboardcourses.ie
