Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
301. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether there is scope to reduce funding to the Springboard or information and communication technology skills conversion course programmes due to reduced demand from unemployed persons. [19200/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpringboard+, which incorporates the ICT skills conversion programme, is designed to encourage a response by educational institutions to meet the emerging skill needs of enterprise and reflects a commitment in the Programme for Government to deliver a step change in our capacity to educate, develop, deploy and retain talent. It also embodies the core ambition set out Ireland’s National Skills Strategy – to ensure that we have a system that is flexible; responsive to the needs of enterprise and adult learners; and that delivers the maximum impact for our public resources. Springboard+ has been very successful with over 80% of graduates entering permanent employment.
Level 8 ICT graduates from Springboard+ play a significant role in our work to meet national targets regarding skills needs in the ICT sector, which is crucial to our ability to attract and retain companies in this area as recommended under the ICT Skills Action Plan, 2014. ICT skills conversion programmes are open to all applicants that meet the academic criteria, irrespective of their employment status.
Cognisant of the changing economic situation and in particular the declining pool of potential participants from the live register, Homemakers will be eligible to apply to participate on a Springboard+ 2017 course. In addition those in employment who wish to upskill or reskill in the Biopharma/Med-tech will also be eligible to apply to participate in Springboard+ 2017.
It is envisaged that future iterations of Springboard+ will provide increased upskilling and reskilling opportunities to those in employment.
