The Institute of Technology Tralee today announced that they had successfully tendered for 8 new courses under the Government’s Springboard+ initiative. The courses, which will run from September 2017 are in the areas of Software Development, Computer Services Management, Culinary Skills, Food Business Innovation, Biopharmaceutical Processes, Industrial Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Quality Management. In addition, the Institute will also offer a 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, Richard Bruton, TD and Minister for State for Training and Skills, John Halligan announced funding of €650,394 and 190 places, for the Institute of Technology Tralee at the national Springboard+ launch in Dublin this morning.

The Springboard+ initiative 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.   The eligibility criteria has been extended in 2017 to include:

• People not in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social Protection that have been out of the work environment for a number of years due to childcare or other caring obligations and have a previous history of employment but may require upskilling, reskilling or cross-skilling to transition back to the workforce (“Homemakers”):
• People with a level 7 ICT qualification seeking upskilling in that discipline to a level 8 irrespective of employment status;
• People who wish to upskill or reskill to meet a specific emerging skills gap in the Biopharma/Med Tech sector irrespective of employment status.

Prospective students can apply online for courses through www.springboardcourses.ie 

According to Ms Brid McElligott, Vice President for Development, Research and External Engagement at IT Tralee, over the past nine years Labour Market Activation and Springboard+ programmes nationally have assisted thousands of people to train, upskill and reskill in order to enter the workforce. “Springboard+ offers an excellent opportunity to upskill in an area where there are immediate employment positions. Over the last nine years, the IT Tralee has worked with over 1350 Springboard students, linking course participants with employers throughout the region resulting in many Springboard graduates now pursuing rewarding and challenging careers.”

In September 2017, the Institute will also offer the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing with Software Development/Media Development/Mobile Application Development/Games Development as a one year full time programme for those already holding a level 7 degree in the area or with significant experience. Aspen Grove Solutions has supported the IT Tralee Springboard+ computing programmes over the past 5 years. According to Sean Ryan, Chief Executiveof the company, all of the students who have completed an internship with Aspen Grove Solutions have been offered full-time positions within the company.  “Computing programmes offered under Springboard+ offer the company a panel of candidates with a diverse set of skills. Students are already highly qualified and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with them to the workplace. Given the current shortage of skilled IT personnel this is a great opportunity for companies to participate in the training of possible future employees”.

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