Minister for Education Activates Digital Training for Limerick Jobseekers

‘WebActivate’ Digital Training opens up job opportunities in the Mid-West’s Internet & Digital sectors

Today in Limerick City Hall, Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD launched the Digital Skills Academy’s digital training programme ‘WebActivate’ for Limerick jobseekers. The programme has been specifically designed to help jobseekers upskill and develop talent to take advantage of the opportunities in Ireland’s high growth Internet and digital sectors, with programmes commencing in Limerick, Cork and Dublin from 10^th November 2014.

Minister for Education & Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD commented: “I am delighted that the ‘WebActivate’ training programme is now available in Limerick.  The programme has gone from strength-to-strength since its inception and has transformed the career choices of hundreds of jobseekers. One of the great strengths of ‘WebActivate’ is the close ties it has with employers and industry leaders.”

“This ensures that the course programme is aligned with emerging skills needs and that participants are well placed to pursue rewarding careers, either in a growth company or in a self-employed capacity. I would urge anyone with an interest in the digital sector to check out the opportunity that ‘WebActivate’ offers.”

Paul Dunne, CEO Digital Skills Academy said, “We are delighted to introduce this programme to Limerick. It gives local jobseekers an opportunity to upgrade their skills and experience with the potential for successfully securing jobs in the Munster region with our local business partners. Our industry work placements help ensure that our graduates are industry ready. The success achieved by graduates to date is testament to the industry focus we take and we will work tirelessly with our participants and Limerick partners to ensure an equally high level of success in Limerick.”    

A first for Limerick, this programme is in its third year and has been extremely successful in returning participants to work. Of the most recently completed programme, 73% of starters achieved successful outcomes, including nearly 50% who have re-joined the workforce. Graduates are equipped to become self-employed web publishers and digital marketeers servicing local businesses in their area or to start new careers as digitally-skilled employees.

The course is an eight month full time Level 6 Award course that offers blended learning combining innovative online training with on-site tutor lead course work. The course is unique in providing structured freelance work placements with local businesses. On placement, participants gain valuable practical experience as they apply their new online publishing and digital marketing skills.

Digital Skills Academy is currently recruiting to develop its first round of Limerick industry-ready graduates on the WebActivate programme, with an application closing date of 29 October 2014.

Jobseekers looking to up-skill in this sector can register online: www.digitalskillsacademy.com or call 01 690-8090

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must have one of the following:

• FETAC Level 5 Major Award OR
• Leaving Certificate with six subjects OR
• Equivalent through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) such as work experience