Institute of Technology Carlow has been awarded Springboard+ funding across 17 exciting, industry-focussed programmes of study, ranging from certificates, diplomas, degrees, higher diplomas, postgraduates certificates and masters from levels 6-9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. In total, 500 places will be made available to prospective learners looking to upskill, change career or return to employment.
The announcement was made yesterday by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD and Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins TD. More than 10,158 places on 294 courses were launched under Springboard+ 2021 alongside 1,101 places on one and two-year ICT graduate conversion courses to be delivered by public and private higher education providers around the country.
The list of Springboard+ courses at IT Carlow are: Master of Science in Data Science; Master of Science in Supply Chain Management; Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs; Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence; Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Privacy and Trust; Postgraduate Certificate in Workforce Management; Higher Diploma in Supply Chain Management; Higher Diploma in Business in International Business; Higher Diploma in Science Computing (Systems and Information Technologies Services); Certificate in Web Design; Bachelor of Science in Energy Management (Buildings); Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Operations; Certificate in Purchasing Strategy, Quality Management and Lean Six Sigma; Certificate in Preparation for Working Life; Certificate in Marketing with Social Media Skills; Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management; Certificate in On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal.
Our courses in On-site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal and the Bachelor of Engineering in Buildings (Energy Management) were designed in direct response to a cross-industry demand for greater sustainability practices. The need to upskill and reskill people to be sufficiently equipped for the demands of the green economy is a key objective of the Future Jobs Skills strategy.
According to Dr Joseph Collins, Head of Faculty Lifelong Learning at IT Carlow, each programme has been designed in response to the current and future needs of industry and presents a unique opportunity for learners to avail of free or heavily subsidised upskilling or reskilling.
“Workforce practices are changing significantly due to technological advances and the impact of COVID19 appears to have accelerated some of these changes. Our Springboard funded courses are purposely designed to develop the skills and competencies of participants to ensure they have the skills required for the future needs of the regional, national and international economy. Springboard+ reduces the financial barriers to accessing higher education and allows participants and employers access to flexible and industry specific courses”.
Springboard+ and ICT Skills programmes, which traditionally were only available to those on social welfare, are now also open to those currently in employment, who were previously self-employed and those returning to employment after a prolonged period of absence. Programmes are also free for people in employment on NFQ Level 6 programmes. For employed participants on programmes NFQ level 7 – 9, 90% of the course fee is funded by the State, with participants required to contribute just 10% of the fee.
To support learners, and in recognition of changing learner demographics, 90% of Springboard+ courses will be delivered in a flexible format to enable more people to engage in upskilling and reskilling.
Now in its tenth year, over 75,000 people have benefitted from the Springboard+ programme to date. The programme is managed by the Higher Education Authority, on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Full details of approved Springboard+ programmes are available at www.itcarlow.ie or directly on www.springboardcourses.ie by selecting ‘Institute of Technology Carlow programmes. Applications will open on Wednesday 16 June and a helpline for applicants will be available on 1800 303523. Queries can be emailed to springboard@itcarlow.ie