The Institute of Technology, Tralee today announced that they had successfully tendered for 7 new courses under the Government’s Springboard initiative. The courses, which will run from September 2015 are in the areas of Data Analytics, Culinary Skills, Building Information Management, Industrial Instrumentation, Creative Media, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise and Food Business Innovation. In addition, the Institute will also offer the Higher Diploma in Applied Computing as part of the ICT Skills Initiative, which aims to provide a career route into the IT sector for graduates whose primary degree is in a discipline other than computing.  Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O Sullivan, TD and Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English announced funding of €541,006, and 137 places, for the Institute of Technology, Tralee at the national Springboard launch in Dublin this morning.

The Springboard initiative in higher education offers free, part-time courses leading to qualifications that are in demand among employers. Those currently in receipt of payments from the Department of Social Protection will retain their benefits and will not be liable for third level fees. Prospective students can apply online for courses through www.springboardcourses.ie.

Over the past seven years Labour Market Activation and Springboard programmes nationally have assisted thousands of people to train, upskill and reskill in order to enter the workforce. Noreen Ward, who is currently completing the Higher Diploma in Applied Computing at the Institute through the ICT Skills initiative, wished to change direction in her career path ‘the skills I have obtained from this course, combined with the inbuilt work experience, have provided me with the opportunity to kick start my career in ICT.  Having previously graduated with a Masters in History I wished to broaden my skill set and in turn, my opportunities for local employment.  Many companies in the Technology Park recruit directly from the ITT.  They also offer opportunities for work experience which is crucial in any career change’.

Members of the Lifelong Learning Department at IT, Tralee will be available over the coming weeks at Social Welfare offices around the county to provide information on the courses and advise potential students looking at a return to education. Further information on the courses available, eligibility criteria and the application process are also available by contacting the Institute at 066 7191701 or by visiting www.springboardcourses.ie.  The latest Lifelong Learning Prospectus can also be downloaded.