Longford/Westmeath Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden is encouraging those who are unemployed and interested in higher education to look into the opportunities on offer through the Springboard scheme.
“Springboard offers a choice of 220 free, part-time courses in higher education from certificate, to degree, to post-graduate level. All courses are part-time, enabling those receiving social welfare to keep their supports,” said Deputy McFadden.
She continued by further highlighting the scheme, saying “Springboard 2012 was recently launched with 220 higher education courses available in 36 higher education providers in Ireland. Springboard supports those who are unemployed to gain additional skills and qualifications in areas that are linked with job vacancies in Ireland, including; information and communications technology (ICT ); the green economy; the biopharma- pharmachem and medical devices sectors; food and beverages; and international financial services.
“Qualifications are also available in cross-enterprise skills such as Six Sigma; Lean and Quality Systems; sales; business-start up; and entrepreneurship.
“I would encourage anyone who is interested in higher education to look into the possibilities provided by Springboard,” advised Deputy McFadden.
More information can be found on the website www.springboardcourses.ie There is also a Freephone helpline to provide guidance and support to potential applicants on 1800 303 523. Full details of eligibility are available on the website.
