€3m in funding puts a spring in MTU’s step

MTU has secured €3 million in funding to provide more than 1,000 places across a range of courses developed to address industry skills needs.

The funding was granted under the Government’s Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiatives for the academic year 2022/2023. In total, MTU is offering 34 Springboard+ courses as part of its suite of part-time offerings.

The funded places are spread across a broad range of disciplines including cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital marketing, culinary arts and skills, and pharmacy management.

MTU said it worked closely with the South West Regional Skills Forum in developing and prioritising its Springboard+ offerings in line with the needs of industry and business in the region.

Commenting on the funding, Vice President for External Affairs at MTU, Michael Loftus, said the funding will enable the university to reskill and upskill those seeking employment, as well as those who are currently in employment, at their time of greatest need.

He said: “It is now more vital than ever that we work to support industry at a time of unprecedented challenge associated with geopolitical events and the aftermath of Covid-19.”

Springboard+ courses are free for people who are unemployed, those who were previously self-employed and returners to the workforce. Courses at NFQ Level 6 are also free for those in employment. For employed participants on courses NFQ level 7 – 9, 90% of the course fee is Government-funded, with participants required to contribute just the balancing 10%.

Dr Brendan O’Donnell, Vice President for Academic Affairs at MTU, said: “The Springboard+ initiative is the cornerstone of the lifelong learning offering at MTU. These courses are unique in that they offer both an opportunity to re-skill and/or up-skill, leading to qualifications that are in demand by employers. “We work very closely with industry to understand their skills needs and how sectors are future-proofing the skills of people already in employment, particularly in roles that may be impacted by digitalisation. “Our Springboard + offerings are direct responses to these collaborative partnerships. Our range of applied and blended programmes offer students flexibility around how they engage with the programme, which is invaluable when balancing study with a busy work schedule.”

Staff at MTU will be available over the coming weeks to advise potential students looking to return to education. Further information on course availability, eligibility criteria and the application process is available at springboardcourses.ie.