GMIT has received €2.9 million in funding to deliver 21 free or heavily subsidised upskilling courses this year.
The funding is part of the Higher Education Authority’s Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) programmes, which target education in areas where there is an identified need for skills.
The 21 courses starting at GMIT this September include four new undergraduate Springboard and two new HCI postgraduate courses.
GMIT President Dr Orla Flynn said “We welcome the Minister’s recent announcement and are delighted with the outcome of the 2021 call.”
“The success highlights the importance of this type of programme provision to learners and industry within our region and nationally.”
“I would like to acknowledge the hard work of colleagues across GMIT who developed and will deliver the programmes; their continued partnership with numerous external stakeholders is a hallmark of our success.”
The Springboard+ programme was first launched in 2011 as part of a jobs initiative, with the goal of providing free or heavily subsidies upskilling and reskilling opportunities for in areas where a high demand has been noticed.
It has a particular focus on upskilling people who are unemployed or in receipt of a social welfare payment.
The Human Capital Initiative was created to offer places in courses addressing skills that will be needed in future growth areas, with other priorities including the promotion of regional development, and mitigating Brexit risks.
Dr Ian O’Connor of GMIT said “I am delighted GMIT will be able to provide opportunities for learners across a wide range of programmes; from undergraduate to postgraduate, short course to full award, part-time to full-time, many with online or blended modes of delivery.”
“These programmes were devised in collaboration with industry partners, supported by our Regional Skills Forum and informed by student feedback.”
“Participants will benefit from the applied nature of our programmes to prepare for a new career or refresh their knowledge and skills aligned to existing employment.”
