Higher Education Authority an tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas HEA

First Stage Evaluation Springboard 2011

This first-stage evaluation provides information on the process for Springboard 2011; outputs to-date that include the range and type of courses on offer; the numbers and profile of those taking up a Springboard place, feedback from participants, colleges, partner agencies and industry representatives on the experience to-date; strengths and challenges identified from that feedback, and proposals on improvements to the next phase of Springboard in 2012.

The next stage of this evaluation will be carried out in July 2012, and at regular intervals thereafter.

First Stage Evaluation Springboard 2011

Appendix Springboard Evaluation

WHAT IS SPRINGBOARD?

Springboard offers job seekers the option to take up a part-time course in higher education and training, free-of-charge.
 
Over 200 courses are available in higher education colleges around the country, at Levels 6-9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
 
All Springboard courses are designed to meet current and future skills needs in Ireland. Learners can study information and communications technology (ICT); the green economy; qualifications for the bio-pharma-pharmachem sectors as well as a range of courses developing innovative business and entrepreneurship skills.
 
 
 

WHO IS SPRINGBOARD FOR?
Springboard aims to support two particular groups of jobseekers:
 

• Those who hold an award at Level 5 or FETAC Level 6 (or equivalent) on the National Framework of Qualifications, and who have a previous history of employment in construction, manufacturing or other parts of the economy where employment levels are unlikely to recover to pre-recession levels.
• Job seekers with a previous history of employment who hold a higher education qualification at NFQ Levels 6-9 and who believe that they would benefit from upskilling or reskilling to re-enter the labour market.

 People can log on to the one-stop website www.bluebrick.ie/springboard for comprehensive information on all Springboard programmes as well as a user-friendly system to make applications and receive course offers.