Fine Gael TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, for Dun Laoghaire has today (Monday) welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, that 6,100 new free higher education places are being made available to jobseekers as part of this year’s round of the Springboard programme.

Almost 350 places are being made available in the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology and University College Dublin across of range of specialties such as innovation, entrepreneurship and biopharmaceutical production. Springboard courses aim to help people who are without a job to get back into the workforce by giving them qualifications in expanding enterprise sectors.

“This is the fourth year of Springboard, which helps jobseekers to boost their skills so they can access employment in growing enterprise sectors, which are leading our economic recovery. It is great news that almost 350 places are being made available in IADT and UCD, including courses in enterprise and entrepreneurship.’

“Most courses are part-time, they are all free, and they generally allow participants to maintain their social welfare payments while they are completing the course.

“This year, work placements are being offered on almost every Springboard course because such placements are a really important way of improving employment prospects. The system is also being made more flexible, as you will no longer have to be long-term unemployed to be eligible.

“The Government recognises the need for our graduates and jobseekers to have the skills necessary for our new economy, which is based on enterprise and innovation, rather than the old economy which was overly reliant on construction and banking. Springboard specifically targets areas where there are job opportunities and growth, allowing students to gain awards at certificate, degree and post-graduate level.

“I would encourage jobseekers in Dun Laoghaire looking to upskill, to check out the range of local courses available at www.springboardcourses.ie.”