New higher education courses available in Third Level Institute in Waterford
Springboard+ are encouraging those who wish to upskill or reskill to sign up to new higher level education courses in Waterford Institute of Technology while places are still available. There will be more than three new higher education courses starting in November and December in Waterford Institute of Technology with all courses funded under Springboard+ 2019.
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 have 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 cutting-edge training in automation engineering, data analytics and a higher diploma in science in computer science. Employees, jobseekers and those returning to work can all avail of these free or subsidised courses with the earliest starting from the end of November 2019.
Fiona Davis, Senior Manager in the Higher Education Authority 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.”
Fiona Davis added, “I am particularly pleased to see that almost 90% 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.
In the past 9 years over €192m has been allocated to Springboard+, providing over 55,000 places. The Springboard+ programme is managed by the Higher Education Authority, on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills.
The 9,151 places on offer under Springboard+ 2019 represents an investment of €34.3m from the National Training Fund with co-funding from the European Union under the European Social Fund, as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.
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
