A popular and free food entrepreneurship upskilling course at GMIT will be returning this month.
The Certificate in Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship course at GMIT is part of the Springboard initiative by the Higher Education Authority.
he free part-time course is delivered by high-profile entrepreneurs such as Brendan Allen, Castlemine Farms, with input and contributions from course graduates including Ami Madden of Valhalla Meats.
First delivered in GMIT in 2016, the course is designed for Agri-Food sector workers such as local and regional food producers, rural farmers, food entrepreneurs and the wider agricultural community, where entrepreneurial training has not typically been prioritised.
It provides participants with the knowledge and work-based skills required to foster and develop their food ideas into successful businesses, encouraging participants to consider food entrepreneurship as a career.
Dr Lisa Ryan at GMIT said “This course has been developed by a combination of qualified staff in Food Science and Nutrition together with a panel of food entrepreneurs and promotes work-based learning.”
“Interacting with food entrepreneurs provides participants with the opportunity to network with like-minded people, be inspired by their success and learn the reality of setting up and growing a food business.”
“The industry leaders provide mentoring and support to participants throughout the course. Our graduates of the course found the experiential learning environment and interaction with industry an extremely beneficial and rewarding experience.”
This course is part of the Springboard initiative, which offers free or subsidised upskilling courses for people who have been unemployed or or are seeking to improve their prospects in modern industries.
The Certificate in Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship course commences at GMIT’s Galway campus on Monday, January 31.
It is completely free for those who meet the eligibility criteria, and costs €300 for those in employment.
Applications must be made online through www.springboardcourses.ie, where information can also be found on the eligibility criteria.
Applications for the course must be made no later than Tuesday, January 25.
Successful applicants will have access to high level support and mentoring throughout the course together with the opportunity of gaining practical support for business start-ups that will emerge from the programme.
Moving away from the traditional style of teaching, this course will take a practice-based, real-world, collaborative approach in its delivery methods.
