Springboard 2013 will allow for upskilling and development of workforce – Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has said news from Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, that jobseekers in Waterford will be able to retrain and upskill so that they are better able to re-enter the workforce is extremely positive. This will be possible through the delivery of 6,000 extra part-time high education places that will be made available nationally through the next phase of the Springboard programme. The Springboard programme is aimed at getting people trained-up in areas of the economy which have been identified for future growth.

“Almost 250 free part-time higher education places are being made available to provide re-training opportunities for jobseekers in WIT in a range of courses. In total, €23 million worth of investment is being made by the Department of Education and Skills to equip jobseekers with new skills in sectors with good employment prospects. Courses are free, part-time, and are at certificate, degree and postgraduate level. Applications can now be made on www.springboardcourses.ie

“Springboard is designed for people with a previous history of employment who worked in sectors such as construction that are in economic decline, and who, as a result of the economic collapse, have been forced to change career in order to find sustainable employment. Since Springboard was first launched, as part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs, more than 10,000 people have been supported in undertaking part-time higher education courses in areas of identified skills needs.

“To be eligible for a place on a Springboard course a person must be unemployed, actively seeking employment, be in receipt of one of the qualifying Department of Social Protection payments, signing for credits or be previously self-employed. I would encourage jobseekers to research the courses available under this scheme at WIT and to use it as a platform to re-enter the workforce as quickly as possible.”
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