Springboard+ at AIT by Athlone Institute of Technology

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Industry-focused flexible courses Athlone Institute of Technology

Flexible courses, Relaxed environment Why choose Athlone Institute of Technology? • These AIT courses are designed based on the latest information regarding where growth opportunities currently exist and will arise in the economy. • The source of this information is the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, which advises the government, as well as various industry bodies. • The courses deliver the skills and knowledge required by employers, so that when you have completed your study, you are work ready. • The work placment element will allow you to put into practice the theory you learn in class. • It will also put you into direct contact with employers, and may result in a successful work placement turning into a job offer. • Many of these programmes are delivered on a flexible basis, combining on campus with online delivery. • Graduates from these programmes in previous years have enjoyed an excellent track record in securing employment. • AIT has an excellent track record of delivering quality student services, which complements the work of our faculty. • AIT lecturers have many years’ experience working in industry and bring this expertise to bear in the lecture theatre and laboratory.

Contents Mechanical and polymer engineering Certificate in Polymer Technology for Medical Devices Certificate in Welding Processes for Advanced Manufacturing

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Civil engineering and construction CPD Certificate in Building Regulations Implementation & Compliance CPD Certificate in Contract Management & Dispute Resolution CPD Certificate in Estimating & Procurement for Building Services CPD Certificate in Lean Construction Scheduling and Control CPD Certificate in Procurement & Estimating for Construction BSc (Hons) in Construction Management

6 7 8 9 10 11

BSc in Project Informatics & Management with German Postgraduate Diploma in Green Engineering MEng in Energy and Communications Infrastructure

13 14 15

ICT conversion courses Higher Diploma in Science in Computing Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics

16 17

Entrepreneurship and lean management Certificate in Entrepreneurship Certificate in Operations, Quality and Lean Management

18 19

Am I eligible?

Courses Offered A

Certificate in Polymer Technology for Medical Devices NFQ Level 6 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2015-May 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 60 Application Deadline 21/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? This certificate will enable you to access a career as a medical device technologist in the areas of medical polymer material selection, practical applied polymer processing, equipment validation, cGMP and lean manufacturing. The medical device industry in Ireland remains a vibrant and thriving growth sector which will continue to provide employment and new opportunities in the next five to ten years. According to Enterprise Ireland, 11 of the world’s 13 largest medical device companies are located in Ireland. Examples of global companies with substantial operations include Abbott, Bayer, Becton Dickinson, Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson, Guidant, Medtronic and Stryker. The sector employs over 25,000 people in 160 companies and generates sales in excess of €6 billion. Modules • Medical Polymer Materials (Practical and Theory) • Medical Polymer Processing (Clean Room Requirements, Practical and Theory) • Quality, Lean Manufacturing and Validation • Computer applications (incl. 3D Design, Pro E & Moldflow) • Polymer Characterisation & Metrology Entry Requirements Leaving Certificate and an interest in gaining employment in the medical device technology. Timetable information The course will be delivered two days a week in the first and second semesters. You will undertake a four-week work placement in a medical device manufacturer, starting in May 2016. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this course you can expect to find employment in the areas of medical polymer material selection, practical applied polymer processing, equipment validation, cGMP and lean manufacturing.

Certificate in Welding Processes for Advanced Manufacturing NFQ Level 6 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2015-August 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 60 Application Deadline 21/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? This certificate will give you the orbital welding skills required by many manufacturing companies looking to expand. Because of the requirement to provide an environment where high purity results are essential, orbital welding is now a critical skill-set in the production of clean-room components. The semiconductor industry is one example, although the practice is now much more widespread. Automatic orbital Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) has gained favour in a variety of industries in which maximum leak integrity, high performance, or ultra-cleanliness is of paramount importance. Automated orbital welding systems enhance the operator’s ability to make controlled, repeatable, high-quality, and well documented welds. Modules • Welding Practical GTAW • Introduction to Welding Techniques • Entrepreneurship • Introduction to Pipe Fitting • Technical Drawing • Introduction to Auto CAD • Welding Practical Orbital • Advanced Welding Tec • Placement • 3D Modelling for Pipework Entry Requirements Candidates should have a basic level of welding skill and will be invited to an entrance welding test which will be held in late August/early September 2015. Timetable information The programme will be delivered part-time in semesters one and two (September-May). Attendance will be one day per week. Students will engage remotely with online classes, tutorials and forums on the other week days. During semester three (June-August) the students will carry out a capstone work-based project through an industrial placement programme. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this programme, you may expect to gain employment in the areas of construction of pipework and equipment for a variety of industries including the semiconductor, food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemical engineering, automotive engineering, biotechnology, shipbuilding and aerospace.

CPD Certificate in Building Regulations Implementation & Compliance NFQ Level 6 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2015-May 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 40 Application Deadline 28/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? This CPD certificate will give you a sound understanding of the building regulations and their implementation to improve your future prospects and career direction. You will develop practical competencies and skills enabling you to participate in the design and implementation of projects and select materials and appropriate construction techniques to ensure durable, sustainable, energy efficient building solutions. Modules • Building Regulations Fundamentals • Building Regulations Applications • Construction Technology and AutoCAD (BIM) • Learning to Learn & Information Technology • Work-Based Project Entry Requirements FETAC level 5/6 qualification in a related discipline or those who have previously worked at technician level in a construction management environment and satisfy AIT’s Recognised Prior Learning route. Timetable information The course will be delivered one day a week in the first semester, while in the second semester delivery will be for a half-day. Students will engage remotely with online classes, tutorials and forums on the other week days. During semester two, you will carry out a capstone work-based project through an industrial placement programme. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this course you can expect to find employment as a building control technician, design technician, site supervisor, site agent or materials technician.

CPD Certificate in Contract Management & Dispute Resolution NFQ Level 7 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2015-May 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 40 Application Deadline 28/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? This CPD certificate will give you the knowledge and skills to engage as an assistant in contract management and dispute resolution of construction projects, as well as operating with building contractors and quantity surveyors on commercial, industrial and residential projects. You will gain competencies in the use of BIM and building regulations. You will also gain the ability to efficiently use these skills in the management of projects from tender stage to the settlement of final accounts. Modules • Measurement & Cost Planning • Contract Administration and Procurement • Management and Law • Estimating & Cost Management for Construction • BIM, Building Regulations and Construction Technology • Learning to Learn & Information Technology • Work-Based Project Entry Requirements Level 6 qualification in science, mechanical or civil engineering or a related discipline or those who have previously worked at technician level in a construction management environment and have completed the AIT Recognised Prior Learning route. Timetable information The course will be delivered one day a week in the first semester, while in the second semester delivery will be for a half-day. Students will engage remotely with online classes, tutorials and forums on the other week days. During semester two, you will carry out a capstone work-based project through an industrial placement programme. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this course you can expect to find employment as a cost management technician, estimator, site clerk for procurement, cost planner or measurement technician.

CPD Certificate in Estimating & Procurement for Building Services NFQ Level 7 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2015-May 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 40 Application Deadline 28/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? This CPD certificate will enable you to engage in professional cost management of building engineering services on commercial and industrial construction projects both domestically and internationally. You will gain competencies in the use of cost and measurement software including BIM. You will also acquire the ability to efficiently use these skills in the cost management of projects, for example, during the design, production of tender information, estimating stage, project execution and management stage and administration of final accounts. Modules • Measurement and Procurement of M&E Services • Mechanical, Electrical Services and BIM • Estimating and Cost Management for Building Services • Management and Law • Learning to Learn & Information Technology • Work-Based Project Entry Requirements Level 6 qualification in science, mechanical or civil engineering or equivalent or those who have previously worked at technician level in a construction management environment and have completed the AIT Recognised Prior Learning route. Timetable information The course will be delivered one day a week in the first semester, while in the second semester delivery will be for a half-day. Students will engage remotely with online classes, tutorials and forums on the other week days. During semester two, you will carry out a capstone work-based project through an industrial placement programme. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this course you can expect to find employment at technician level in a variety of areas, including M&E quantity surveying, estimating and cost control, measurement and pricing.

CPD Certificate in Lean Construction Scheduling and Control NFQ Level 6 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2015-May 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 40 Application Deadline 28/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? This CPD certificate will provide you with the core skills required for effective time and cost management on construction-related projects. It will provide you with both the understanding and practical application of both project scheduling and project monitoring/ control tools and techniques. It will help you to acquire an awareness of the managerial and technical skills needed to contribute in a meaningful way to the management and delivery of projects. It will also provide you with a fundamental understanding of the core ICT skills needed to apply scheduling and control techniques in a lean construction environment. Modules • Scheduling and Control • Scheduling and Control – ICT • Building Information Modelling (BIM) • Learning to Learn & Information Technology • Work-Based Project Entry Requirements FETAC level 5/6 qualification in a related discipline or those who have previously worked at technician level in a construction management environment and satisfy AIT’s Recognised Prior Learning route. Timetable information The course will be delivered one day a week in the first semester, while in the second semester delivery will be for a half-day. Students will engage remotely with online classes, tutorials and forums on the other week days. During semester two, you will carry out a capstone work-based project through an industrial placement programme. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this course you can expect to find employment as BIM technician, BIM coordinator, site manager, contracts manager, site agent, project planner, tendering manager, site supervisor or foreman.

CPD Certificate in Procurement & Estimating for Construction NFQ Level 6 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2 015-May 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 40 Application Deadline 28/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? This CPD certificate will enable you to engage in procurement and estimating for construction as an assistant quantity surveyor/technician, operating with building contractors and quantity surveyors on commercial, industrial and residential projects. You will gain competencies in measurement in accordance with ARM 4, the use of BIM and construction technology, cost planning and estimating – including the preparation of reports. – as well as public and private procurement. Completion of the course is with an integrated project and work placement. Modules • Measurement & Costing • Estimating & Cost Management • Construction Management • Construction Technology and AutoCAD (BIM) • Learning to Learn & Information Technology • Work-Based Project Entry Requirements FETAC level 5/6 qualification in a related discipline or those who have previously worked at technician level in a construction management environment and satisfy AIT’s Recognised Prior Learning route. Timetable information The course will be delivered one day a week in the first semester, while in the second semester delivery will be for a half-day. Students will engage remotely with online classes, tutorials and forums on the other week days. During semester two, you will carry out a capstone work-based project through an industrial placement programme. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this course you can expect to find employment in cost management, for example, as an estimator, site clerk, cost planner or contract administrator.

BSc (Hons) in Construction Management NFQ Level 8 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2015-August 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 60 Application Deadline 28/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? This one-year add-on honours degree is a unique offering in Ireland and has been specifically designed to meet the modern requirements of a construction manager in a fastevolving sector. While rooted in construction management fundamentals, the focus of this programme is on contemporary challenges such as the implementation of lean management processes and proficiency in Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology. Upon successful completion of this course, you will possess much sought-after skills in the modern construction management sector. All of the theoretical and practical knowledge you gain will be enhanced by the work placement module, which will allow you to put these skills into practice in real projects. Modules • Construction Management • Business Information Systems • Lean Project Management (fundamentals and applied) • Building Regulations • Building Information Modelling • Construction Law • Construction Economics • Work placement Entry Requirements Level 7 qualification in construction studies, construction management, civil engineering or related discipline. Timetable information The programme will be delivered one day a week on campus. Students will engage remotely for up to four hours per week with online classes, tutorials and forums on the other week days. The work-based project module will provide you with invaluable project experience, while also serving to create networking opportunities within the construction management sector, which could prove enormously beneficial in furthering career opportunities. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this degree, you can expect to find employment as a construction manager, site manager, project manager, contract administrator/manager. You may also progress to a career in surveying, management or construction law (with further study).

New Skills - Fresh Start

BSc in Project Informatics & Management with German NFQ Level 7 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2015-August 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 60 Application Deadline 28/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? This one-year add-on degree will provide you with the skills and competencies required in project management and with in-depth knowledge of the tools and techniques necessary to make decisions in a dynamic business environment as they relate to the management of projects needed to support strategic business operations. As part of the programme, you will gain experience utilising the latest project management software and systems. The degree will also provide yoi with a solid foundation in the German language, as well as introducing you to business and cultural norms in German-speaking countries. The work-based project is undertaken while you are on placement in the third semester. This requires you to work on a real project or number of projects that have an international element and use this to integrate the learning of the programme as a whole. Modules • Project Management • Computer Applications • German Language Skills • German Culture and Language Awareness • Communications & Job Readiness • Work-Based Project Entry Requirements Level 6 qualification in science, mechanical or civil engineering or equivalent or those who have previously worked at technician level in a project management environment and having completed the AIT Recognised Prior Learning route. Candidates will also be assessed for their general suitability/aptitude for language learning. Timetable information The programme will be delivered one day a week. Students will engage remotely with online classes, tutorials and forums on the other week days. During semester three (June to August), you will carry out a capstone work-based project through an industrial placement programme. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this programme, you can expect to find employment as a project manager/ technician for firms working in the engineering, building services, or construction sector trading across the European market.

Postgraduate Diploma in Green Engineering NFQ Level 9 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2015-August 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 60 Application Deadline 28/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? The overall aim of this postgraduate programme is to develop the skills of qualified engineers in areas relevant to the “green economy”. This programme will build on the core competences that you will have developed in your undergraduate degree and will introduce a new focus on areas such as sustainable energy and environmental technologies, together with developing your business acumen and appreciation for commercial operations. The programme will provide you with an appreciation of the limits and benefits of sustainable energy system utilisation, characterising their performances from energy efficiency, economic and environmental perspectives. You will learn how to investigate sustainable energy technologies in more depth and gain an understanding of sustainable concepts applied to water engineering. You will learn how to identify current problems related to waste management and to devise strategies to overcome these issues. Furthermore, you will be introduced to project and product management and lean start-up, as well as developing your business management skills. Modules • Sustainable Energy • Sustainable Water Engineering • Environmental Management & Legislation • Energy Management and Auditing • Operations, Entrepreneurship and Lean Start-up • Sustainable Waste Management • Business & Professional Development • Work-Based Project/Industrial Placement Entry Requirements Level 8 qualification in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering or equivalent. Applicants without the above will also be assessed via AIT’s Recognised Prior Learning route. Timetable information The programme will be delivered on campus two days a week and will also include site visits and an industrial placement. You will also engage remotely with online classes, tutorials and forums. It will be delivered over three semesters comprising one calendar year. In the third semester you will complete an industrial placement, which will run over the summer months with final reports submitted and other assessments carried out in the September immediately following completion of the placement. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this programme, you may expect to find employment in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, water, waste and wastewater, consultancy and green ICT. 14

MEng in Energy and Communications Infrastructure NFQ Level 9 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2015-August 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 90 Application Deadline 28/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? This innovative master’s degree is positioned within the on-shore and off-shore infrastructure sectors, specifically focusing on the energy and telecommunications domains. The demand for this skill-set is driven by the global growth of new energy sources and technologies and their associated infrastructural challenges. Employers in both the telecommunications and energy sectors are seeking graduates with these skills. The main themes that the programme addresses are infrastructural planning and regulation; geotechnical, structural and pipeline design; economics and project management; subsea telecommunications and electrical power distribution. You will have the opportunity to design and undertake an offshore seabed survey, whilst on a Marine Institute vessel off the Irish coast. You will be instructed and take part in the following multi-disciplinary areas including: oceanography, benthic ecology and geophysics. This programme has a thesis component which will require an eight-week placement (during the summer) in order to obtain essential data and provide exposure to industrial practices. Modules • Pipeline Design and Installation • Electrical Power Generation and Distribution • Geotechnical Investigation and Civil Works • Offshore Structures • Thesis

• • • •

Planning and Regulation Energy Economics Offshore Project Management Principle of Telecommunications

Entry Requirements Level 8 honours graduates in engineering, environmental science or cognate disciplines. Those that do not have the requisite academic qualifications may gain entry to the programme via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in accordance with the institute’s policies. Timetable information The programme will be delivered on campus two days a week and will also include site visits and an industrial placement. You will also engage remotely with online classes, tutorials and forums. It will be delivered over three semesters comprising one calendar year. In the third semester you will complete an industrial placement, which will run over the summer months with final reports submitted and other assessments carried out in the September immediately following completion of the placement. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this programme, you may expect to find employment in the on-shore and off-shore infrastructure sectors, specifically focusing on the energy and telecommunications domains. 15

Higher Diploma in Science in Computing NFQ Level 8 Delivery Method Classroom Duration Sept 2015-August 2016 Available Full-time ECTS Credits 90 Application Deadline 28/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? This programme is designed to provide you with the core ICT skills required in the software industry. The programme provides core computing modules (programming, databases, systems analysis and technology) in semester one and a concentration on software development in semester two. Semester two also provides instruction on web development. Upon completion of both semester you will spend four months on placement in a software environment. Modules • Object Oriented Software Development • Architecture, Operating Systems and Networks • Systems Analysis and Texting • Database Languages • Web and User Interface Design • Software Development Specialism • Software Development Project • Industry Placement Entry Requirements Level 8 in a non-computing discipline. Priority will be given to graduates in a numerate discipline. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this programme, you can expect to find employment in the vibrant IT industries. Previous graduates from this programme have secured employment with companies such as Bearing Point, Intel, Dotser, EMarkable, Lakeland Dairies, Version 1 and IBM.

Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics NFQ Level 8 Delivery Method Classroom Duration Sept 2015-August 2016 Available Full-time ECTS Credits 90 Application Deadline 28/8/2015 Start Date 8/9/2015 What’s this course about? This programme will provide you with the key skills required to analyse data in the Big Data era. The programme is divided into three semesters. Semester one provides students with a foundation in data analysis including programming for Big Data, statistics, project management and databases. Semester two builds on the concepts and applications from semester one and incorporates advanced Excel and a data analytics project. Semester three provides you with the opportunity to spend four months on placement in a data analytics environment or to become certified in a number of key areas. Modules • Database Systems • Programming for Big Data • Data Analytics • Probability and Statistics • Interpretation of Data • Data Analytics Project • Advanced Databases • Data Analytics Case Studies • Industry Placement Entry Requirements Level 8 or equivalent qualification. Priority will be given to graduates in a numerate discipline. Career Opportunities As a graduate of this programme, you can expect to find employment in a variety of areas within the broader IT or support areas, including aspects such as programming, databases, Big Data analytics, etc.

Certificate in Entrepreneurship NFQ Level 6 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2015-May 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 60 Application Deadline 30/9/2015 Start Date 7/10/2015 What’s this course about? This programme will enhance your skills in the area of entrepreneurship and innovation. It will provide you with an opportunity to develop the technical, entrepreneurial, interpersonal, innovation and managerial knowledge, skills and competencies required for a variety of job opportunities in their own business. Specifically, you will develop an understanding of the environmental factors which impact upon entrepreneurial development, the innovation culture, the growth, and the success of modern business organisations. You will also gain an increased awareness of potential business and innovation opportunities, sources of finance, appropriate technologies, marketing strategies and social media tools appropriate to the modern business environment. The programme will also cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation amongst the particpants. Modules • Learning and Development for Higher Education • The Business Environment and the Entrepreneur • Digital Marketing Applications 1 • Marketing and Sales Management • Creativity & Innovation • Professional Development, Career Planning and Mentoring • Sales Theory and Practice • Digital Marketing Applications 2 • Entrepreneurial Skills Entry Requirements Mature applicants (i.e. over 23 years of age) or Leaving Certificate Grade D3 in five subjects at ordinary level (or equivalent) to include mathematic and a language (English or Irish), or equivalent. Entry requirements will be reviewed as part of the development of AIT’s RPL policy Career Opportunities As a graduate of this programme, you may expect to benefit from entrepreneurial opportunities either in establishing your own business or in capitalising on opportunities within an existing enterprise. Equally, a growing number of employers are seeking staff with intrapreneurial abilities.

Certificate in Operations, Quality and Lean Management NFQ Level 6 Delivery Method Mixed Duration Sept 2015-May 2016 Available Part-time ECTS Credits 60 Application Deadline 30/9/2015 Start Date 7/10/2015 What’s this course about? This course will give you the knowledge and skills to work in the field of operations, quality and lean management, with the appropriate multi-disciplinary skills to meet local, regional, and national needs at an introductory level. You may also be eligible to apply for additional professional accreditation with Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA) and the American Society for Quality (ASQ). Modules • Learning and Development for Higher Education • Introduction to Statistics • Computer Applications • Fundamentals of Quality Assurance • Introduction to Management and Leadership • Business and Operations Planning • Quality Management • Lean Six Sigma – Fundamentals • Creativity, Innovation and Professional Development • Work Placement Entry Requirements Mature applicants (i.e. over 23 years of age) or Leaving Certificate Grade D3 in five subjects at ordinary level (or equivalent) to include mathematic and a language (English or Irish), or equivalent. Entry requirements will be reviewed as part of the development of AIT’s RPL policy Career Opportunities As a graduate of this programme, you may expect to benefit from the growing range of opportunities within the areas of operations, quality and lean management.

Eligibility

Am I eligible for Springboard+? Part-time Springboard+ courses To be eligible for a part-time Springboard+ course a person must be: Unemployed* with a previous history of employment AND satisfy one of the following three criteria: (i) • • • • • • • • • •

Be in receipt of one of the following payments from the Department of Social Protection: Jobseekers Benefit Jobseekers Allowance One Parent Family Disability Allowance Qualified Adults of Working Age Carers Allowance Farm Assist/Fish Assist Widow(er)s Contributory or Non-contributory Pension Blind Pension Deserted Wives Allowance

There is no requirement to be in receipt of a payment for a particular period of time prior to the commencement of the programme. Participants in receipt of an eligible payment at the time the Springboard+ course commences are eligible to apply for a place on that course. However, providers will be required to give priority to applications from people who are long term unemployed. OR (ii)

Be signing for social insurance contribution credits

OR (iii)

Be previously self-employed

AND Be actively seeking employment People participating in the Community Employment Scheme; the Rural Social Scheme; Tús; JobBridge or in receipt of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance or the Short Term Enterprise Allowance may apply for Springboard+ and, with the approval of a Department of Social Protection Case Officer, take up a Springboard+ course. To participate in a NFQ level 9 (postgraduate) course, a period of at least one year must have elapsed since completing a full time undergraduate degree course leading to a major award at level 8 on the NFQ. *For the purposes of determining eligibility for Springboard+ the term unemployed also includes people who are on short term working and in receipt of a Jobseekers payment from the Department of Social Protection.

Further information on Springboard+ part-time courses and Department of Social Protection income support • Participation on a Springboard+ course will not confer any entitlement to receive an income support payment from the Department of Social Protection. Participants who are in receipt of a Department of Social Protection income support payment may be able to retain such payments. • Through the Part-time Education Option (PTEO), jobseekers in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit or Jobseekers Allowance who wish to pursue a part-time day or evening course of education may retain their payment subject to continuing to meet the eligibility conditions, including being available for and genuinely seeking work. If a payment is due to cease prior to the end of a course, payment cannot be extended past the due cessation date. • The PTEO will continue to apply when a participant is undertaking a work placement of less than 6 months duration that is a specific component of a Springboard+ course. • Prior to commencing a Springboard+ course participants in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit or Jobseekers Allowance should contact their local social welfare office to make an application to retain their payment under the PTEO. The PTEO scheme does not involve any special payment. Signing-on arrangements continue to apply for PTEO claimants. Attendance on part-time courses is allowed on the clear understanding that availability for and genuinely seeking work opportunities must take precedence over course attendance, including attendance at any work placement component of a course, should a conflict arise. • Participants in receipt of other forms of income support payment from the Department of Social Protection must contact the appropriate scheme area in that Department to confirm if they may retain such payments while on the course. See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on www.springboardcourses.ie for more information. • Participants who meet the criteria for the JobBridge programme will be eligible for support under JobBridge. Further information on the JobBridge eligibility criteria is available at www.jobbridge.ie. Full-time ICT skills conversion courses To be eligible for a full-time ICT skills conversion course a person must be: Suitably qualified or, in line with the policy for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) of the higher education provider, someone with sufficient relevant experiential learning is eligible to participate on a full-time Level 8 ICT skills conversion course regardless of employment status and regardless of whether or not s/he is in receipt of income support. Tuition fees are waived for all successful applicants. The academic entry criteria for admission to courses funded through the initiative is determined by each participating higher education provider. However it is essential that applicants assigned a place are capable of attaining the requisite (level 8) proficiency in high-level ICT skills within one year. Priority for long-term unemployed In line with the Government priority to support people who are unemployed (in particular those who are unemployed for more than 12 months) to reskill in areas of emerging skills needs, where a provider receives more applications from suitably qualified candidates than there are places available, providers are asked to ensure that these places will be awarded to people who have been unemployed for the longest durations. Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) A person who is receipt of Jobseekers Benefit or Jobseekers Allowance for at least nine of the previous twelve months may qualify to retain their income support while participating in 22

an ICT skills conversion course. Eligible participants will transfer to a bespoke version of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). Eligible DSP clients who are accepted on a course should immediately contact their local social welfare office and submit a completed BTEA-Springboard+ ICT conversion 2015 form which can be downloaded here. Participation on periods of work experience which are identified as an integral part of the course may also be pursued and supported under BTEA. If you are in receipt of other forms of income support from DSP such as the One Parent Family payment you should contact your local DSP office to confirm if you are eligible to participate on an ICT conversion course and retain your income support. Applicants who are previously self-employed and/or signing for social welfare credits are eligible to apply for a ICT skills conversion course but are not eligible for a payment under the BTEA scheme. Beneficiaries of prior reskilling Applicants who have completed a government-funded training programme, such as a Springboard+ or FĂ S course, are eligible to apply for an ICT skills conversion course. However two such courses cannot be pursued concurrently.

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