€1.33 million investment in LIT’s Springboard+ programme allows for expansion of targeted flexible learning courses by more than 100%

Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) is to more than double the number of third level places it will provide in targeted part-time, evening and blended courses, specifically designed to meet the skill needs of growth sectors in the Mid West economy.

Following on from the success of last year’s Springboard+ initiative, the Department of Education and Skills is to increase its programme funding to LIT to €1.33 million, allowing for the expansion of courses offered from nine to 17, and the number of places available from 250 to 547.

The courses, up to postgraduate level, are aimed at those currently in employment as well as those seeking employment who wish to grow their skill set in line with industry and the economy in the Mid West.

With the growth in the economy continuing, LIT is offering a larger range of new courses through Springboard in high-demand areas, with fees being largely state-funded.

This year the programme at LIT has grown to include a Higher Diploma in International Business with emphasises on international business skills to help offset the uncertainty of Brexit. Also funded this year is an innovative Certificate in Leadership in Health and Wellness in the Workplace, building capacity for managers to be aware of health and wellness in their organisation.

Among the key areas funded are programmes in Construction, Digital Marketing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Aircraft Technical Services, Hospitality, Construction, and Art Direction for Film. For people not in employment, the courses are 100% funded. Courses at Level 6 are 100% funded for all applicants.

Marian Duggan, Dean of Flexible Learning, & Vice President of Equality and Diversity, said the increase in Springboard+ funding year on year reflects both the changing requirements of a growing economy and LIT’s ability and flexibility in meeting those requirements in the Mid West.

“Springboard+ echoes the ethos of LIT in so many ways as it aims to equip people to meet skill needs in growth sectors in the Mid West while also allowing for flexible learning and inclusivity,” she said.

Springboard+ is mutually beneficial to the individual and to society as a whole

Dr Philip Hennessy, Head of the Department of Flexible Learning said the 119% increase in places available at LIT this year points to its ongoing ability to meet the demands and requirements of industry and business in the Mid West.

“Springboard+ is mutually beneficial to the individual and to society as a whole. It allows for access to funded courses that will advance the individual’s careers while also supporting the Mid-West economy.

“If we are to continue to sustain high tech jobs and growth in our economy the workforce must continuously up-skill. All of the courses provided at LIT under Springboard+ are very reflective of what is happening in the Mid West economy, and highlights the need for those both in employment and seeking employment to keep expanding and improving their skill set,” he said.

For further information on LIT’s Springboard+ courses see https://flexiblelearning.lit.ie/springboard-courses/