GMIT offers 136 free places on five Springboard courses

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMT) is pleased to offer 136 free places on four new part-time courses and one full time course at two of its campuses from September (2016), under the Government-funded Springboard Higher Education initiative, announced recently (Wednesday 15 June 2016) by the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, and the Minister of State for Training and Skills, John Halligan.

All of the Springboard 2016 courses lead to qualifications in enterprise sectors which are growing and need skilled personnel such as information and communications technology (ICT), manufacturing; international financial services,  and key skills for enterprise to trade internationally.

The GMIT Springboard courses are as follows:

* Certificates in Medical Device Technology & Quality Management (part-time)

* Certificate in Construction Management (part-time) – available at the Mayo campus

* Certificate in Culinary Arts (part-time)

* Higher Diploma in Science in Software Development (full-time)

* Higher Diploma in Science in Software Development (part-time)

Applications for these courses can now be made through the website www.springboardcourses.ie
Four of the GMIT courses are part-time, enabling applicants to retain their social protection supports. The full time course is a one year ICT Skills Conversion courses. Successful applicants for ICT Skills conversion courses who are in receipt of a jobseekers payment can apply for the Back to Education Allowance.

The Higher Diploma in Science in Computing course is ideal for anyone from a non-computing background who wishes to convert to a Software Programme role. It will be delivered over both one year (full-time) and two years (part-time). It includes a three to six month placement in an IT related role. Lectures are over two semesters, from September to May, at the Galway (Dublin Road) campus. The course is delivered through a blend of online and on campus lecturers.

The Certificates in Medical Device Technology & Quality Management course is a six month conversion course aimed at those who wish to work in a medical device company, a sector that is particularly strong in Galway. The course combines two Certificates (L6 and L7). Lectures are delivered Tuesdays to Thursdays on the Galway campus from September 2016 to May 2017. The courses include an option of a three to six month placement in the medical device sector.  The purpose of the course is to provide the skills to work as an operator, quality inspector, quality technician, clinical monitor, regulatory officer or design assurance test technician in a medical device sector company.

The Certificate in Culinary Arts course is of 12 weeks duration. It ideal for anyone who wants to work at entry level in the culinary and professional cookery area.  It will give students a deep understanding of culinary techniques, theory and practice. It includes a placement in the culinary sector for the duration of the course, commencing in September and again in January (2017). Graduates of this course will find excellent employment opportunities. It is delivered three days per week on the Galway campus.

The Certificate in Construction Management course, offered at GMIT’s Mayo campus in Castlebar, has a particular emphasis on construction related ICT and 'green' and sustainable building technologies. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the technologies that are used to manage and deliver the construction of low impact and near zero energy buildings. They will be introduced to the range of legislation, control mechanisms and standards that govern best practice in construction industry. The programme will consist of lectures, practicals and group work. Classroom delivery will be three days per week over 21 weeks, commencing September, followed by a three week work placement in March 2017. Guest lecturers and site visits are also an integral part of the teaching and learning on this programme.

Peter Butler, LifeLong Learning Co-ordinator, Galway campus, welcomes the continuation of funding for these programmes which GMIT has been delivering for five years.  “All of these courses have been very successful in enabling unemployed people find work.”

Mary Nestor, Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator, Mayo campus, says: “These courses offer applicants a wonderful opportunity to gain a relevant third level qualification in areas where there are currently work prospects, and at no cost to the individual.  Graduates of GMIT’s Certificate in Construction Management will be qualified and ready to take up employment in construction and related industries by mid-Spring 2017”.

About Springboard

Springboard+ 2016 is the latest offering of free part-time and full-time higher education places to provide reskilling and upskilling opportunities for up to 5,825 jobseekers.

Springboard is designed for people with a previous history of employment who many now need to change career paths to get back into sustainable employment.

It was first launched as part of the Government’s Jobs Initiative in May 2011. Since then, over 30,000 people have been supported to undertake higher education courses in areas of identified skills needs. Springboard+ courses are selected by an expert industry and education panel.

To be eligible for a place on a Springboard course a person must be unemployed, actively seeking employment, and be in receipt of one of the qualifying Department of Social protection payments or be signing for credits or be previously self-employed.

Full details of available courses and the eligibility criteria can be found on the website: www.springboardcourses.ie