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Springboard Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Ceisteanna (303)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

303. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the €3 million allocated to Springboard as outlined in budget 2018; the amount of the allocation that has been spent; the way in which the funds were spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24311/18]

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Freagraí scríofa

Funding for Springboard+ is allocated from the National Training Fund. In 2018 an additional €3m was allocated to Springboard+ which will provide for over 1,600 additional places during 2018.

Under Springboard+ 2018, which was launched this week, over 8,000 places on 245 courses will be available in public and private educational institutions throughout Ireland. Courses approved for funding in 2018 will be in the following skills areas: ICT, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Hospitality, Business, Administration and Law. Limited courses will also be available in Entrepreneurship, Animation, Medical Devices Decontamination and certain other manufacturing related services courses.

Springboard+ courses are at Level 6 (Certificate) to Level 9 (Masters) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and are delivered in public and private education facilities around the country. Courses selected for funding are in areas of identified enterprise skills needs and were selected, following a competitive call for proposals, by an independent evaluation panel using published criteria that included value for money, flexible delivery, engagement with industry and skills relevance. All courses provide job-readiness training and most offer the opportunity for work placement, project-based learning or industry site visits where appropriate.

I am sure that the Deputy will be pleased to note that the eligibility criteria for Springboard+ 2018 has been extended and will include the following:

- Free higher education courses for unemployed people, those previously self-employed and those returning to work.

- Free NQF Level 6 higher education courses for those in employment.

- For employed participants on courses NFQ level 7 – 9, 90% of the course fee will be funded by the Government, with participants required to contribute just 10% of the fee.

Further information on Springboard+ 2018 including entry requirements and eligibility criteria are available on the dedicated information and applications website: www.springboardcourses.ie.

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