Free third level courses aimed at upskilling and reskilling jobseekers to work in growing enterprise sectors are again on offer this year under the Springboard+ programme, and two information events showcasing the courses will be held in Dublin and Cork later this month.

The first event for Springboard+ 2016 will take place at the Printworks building in Dublin Castle on Tuesday, 16 August. This will be followed by an event at the Metropole Hotel in Cork City on Thursday, 18 August.  Both events will run from 12 noon to 5pm.

Springboard+ is a government programme aimed at upskilling and reskilling jobseekers to work in growing enterprise sectors that need skilled personnel.  It is run by the Higher Education Authority, and provides free part-time and intensive conversion courses to thousands of jobseekers each year.  Courses are provided at Levels 6-9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

This year, almost 6,000 free places are on offer, with almost half of all places being offered in ICT, an area of major skills shortages nationally. Thirty-six colleges nationwide, both public and private, are offering courses throughout the country.

In total, 180 free courses are on offer, covering areas such as biopharma, manufacturing, cross-enterprise skills, entrepreneurship, international financial services, construction, and international trade, as well as ICT.

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At both events, visitors can get information and meet representatives from over 20 colleges and institutions, all of which provide free courses through the  programme. The HEA will also be present, with HEA staff on hand to answer questions.

There will also be workshops with employers and employees who have experience of Springboard+, as well as expert advice from professional guidance counsellors.

Dr Vivienne Patterson of the HEA said: “The great thing about Springboard+ is that there is a huge array of free courses on offer, ranging from tech to tourism and from culinary arts to manufacturing skills.

“No matter what your previous experiences of education or work, you should be able to find a course that suits you.  And best of all, all Springboard+ courses are designed to give you skills that are in high demand amongst employers and to further your chances of getting a great new job once you complete the course.”

Full details of available courses, applications and eligibility criteria can be found on the Springboard+ website.

Photo: Vivienne Patterson with John Devlin (left) and Fidelma O'Reilly (right), past participants in Springboard+ programmes. (Pic: Barry Cronin)