Applications are currently open at the Institute of Technology Tralee for Springboard+ funded programmes. The Springboard+ initiative provides funding for part-time courses leading to qualifications that are in demand among employers. Programmes funded at IT Tralee for entry September 2019 include: Applied Computing; Artificial Intelligence; Lean UX; Industrial 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things; Computer Aided Engineering and Finite Element Analysis.

When the Springboard+ began 11 years ago, at the height of the economic downturn, it was targeted mainly at individuals who were unemployed or in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social Protection.  These days, while still seeking to assist those looking for employment, funding is also available for people in employment who wish to upskill and returners (formerly referred to as homemakers). For employed persons, fees are capped at 10% of the tuition fee.

Brid Mc Elligott, Vice President of Research and Development at IT Tralee outlined the value of the Springboard+ initiative. “Over the last decade, IT Tralee has supported the upskilling of over 2,500 employees in the region. The cost of acquiring skills in high demand by employers can be challenging for individuals to fund. However with the contribution to fees capped at 10%, there is a tremendous opportunity for those employed to gain new qualifications, which in turn will enhance their employment prospects. The ITT is offering a range of part-time courses for this September and I would encourage those interested to contact our Lifelong Learning department to discuss the various course options available.”

Jason Foley, who completed a Certificate in Mechatronics in 2019 said “Springboard+ offered me the opportunity to upskill while employed full-time as a Supplier Development Engineer for KOSTAL Ireland GMBH.  Key to my decision to return to education was the availability of online classes at IT Tralee.  As I spend a lot of time travelling to different suppliers around the world I found the online classes to be very convenient.  If I missed a class, I was able to watch a recording of the lecture so it was very easy to review for exams”.

Further information on the courses available, eligibility criteria and the application process is available by contacting IT Tralee’s Lifelong Learning Office at 066 7191701 or by visiting www.springboardcourses.ie