Free College Places for the Unemployed National College of Ireland is now offering a limited number of free fee places under Springboard, the Higher Education initiative for unemployed people looking to upskill. • MSc in Web Technologies • Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Software Development) • Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics • Certificate in Digital Marketing • Certificate in Science in Web Development • Diploma in National and International Selling
For more information check out
www.ncirl.ie or call 1850 221 721
Contents
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MSc in Web Technologies
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Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Software Development)
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Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics
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Certificate in Digital Marketing
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Certificate in Web Development
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Diploma in National and International Selling
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Eligibility
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MSc in Web Technologies Duration: 1 year, 3 semesters Programme Description
The programme will give you the opportunity to develop outstanding expertise in the fast-paced ICT area of web technologies. The programme is practical in nature and aims to provide individuals with an understanding of how to create cuttingedge web applications to be deployed distributively across the latest hosting platforms, including public/hybrid clouds, peer-to-peer networks, clusters, and multi-tenancy servers.
Who is the programme for?
The programme should appeal to not only skilled computing graduates, but also those with an interest in applying web technologies to any organisation. This programme is therefore for experienced ICT professionals and college graduates from cognate disciplines at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. As a graduate of this course you will be able to: • Create and deploy a commercial web application • Use both enterprise and web application frameworks • Build scalable web applications and analyse their performance using the latest tools and techniques • Develop internet rich applications using the latest rich internet application frameworks • Perform usability testing on a given web application to ensure maximum effectiveness • Design and deploy wireframing, eye tracking and web analytics for websites • Generate a suitable business case to justify a web-based development
Award and Progression
The Masters of Science in Web Technologies is awarded by QQI at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Students who successfully complete this programme may progress to a major award at level 10.
Start Date
The course is expected to commence the week of 16th September 2013
Fees
Free to eligible unemployed persons. Please note the scheme does not cover any allowance for books or other materials.
Location: IFSC Campus Programme Content . . . . . . . . . .
Deployment Usability Testing and Implementation Enterprise Frameworks Web Application Frameworks Cloud Computing Fundamentals Technological Entrepreneurship Enterprise Game* Advanced Client Side Scripting Advanced Rich Internet Applications Research Dissertation/Commercialisation Dissertation/Industry Dissertation . Career Bridge *The enterprise game module requires block delivery (2 weekends 09.00 - 18.00 after semester 2). Note that all modules count towards the final award classification.
Entry Requirements
An honours (level 8) primary degree in a cognate area with a 2.2 award or higher. The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed using a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced and interview.
Career Bridge
Assisting students develop and achieve their career goals is a core mission within the NCI Career Development and Employability Office which won the 2013 AHECS “Excellence in Employability Award” for their work with students undertaking skills conversion programmes. The compulsory Career Bridge module involves developing a career action plan and develops in students the ability to self-manage their careers, identify and apply for career opportunities, develop an online brand, network effectively and promote themselves at interview.
Indicative Schedule
Monday, Wednesday 18.00 – 22.00 and every Saturday 09.00 – 17.00 (Times subject to change)
Application
All applicants must apply online at www.springboardcourses.ie
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Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Software Development) Duration: 1 year, 2 academic semesters of 13 weeks plus work placement
Programme Description This programme will give a general grounding in computing to candidates from a non-computing background. As you progress, it will provide you with more specialist skills in developing software to solve real world problems, and to avail of the many job opportunities available in software development.
Candidates with other level 8 honours degrees will also be considered on a case by case basis, based upon their ability to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem solving skills and a commitment to fully engage with the programme. This may require an interview and candidate assessment session.
The first semester will cover a broad range of topics which will give an ideal grounding in the world of computing. The programme covers areas such as software development, software engineering, databases, architecture, operating systems and web design.
Given the target technical market for graduates of this programme, candidates will be required to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem solving skills as part of previous programme learning. Graduates from disiplines which do not have technical or mathematical problem solving skills embedded in their programm will need to be able to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem solving skills in addition to their level 8 programme qualifications (certifications, additional qualifications, certified experience and assessemnt tests).
The second semester provides detailed knowledge, in the area of advanced programming, web services and API developement. You will learn how to use various tools to design and develop software applications.
Career Prospects There is currently a significant software development skills shortage. This programme has been developed in partnership with industry and reflects the real needs of companies in the ICT sector and will enable the successful graduate to compete effectively for these opportunities. Last years’ graduates are working in roles such as software development, software testing, business analysis and technical sales in multinationals and SMEs.
Who is the programme for?
It is ideal for graduates with a level 8 degree who are coming from a non computing background who wish to transfer into the world of ICT.While a computing background is not required, it should be noted that the programme contains a large amount of technical content, as well as independent study on projects and assessments. Given the content and the timescale there is a need for strong commitment and a willingness to engage with the technical content in the programme.
Award and Progression
The Higher Diploma in Computing in Software Development is awarded by QQI at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Students who successfully complete this programme may progress to a major award at level 9 such as the NCI Master of Science in Web Technologies/ MSc in Cloud Computing or other MSc programmes in software or computing.
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Location: IFSC Campus
Holders of technical, numerate degrees are likely to gain a higher ranking in any order of merit for admission. Typically these would be applicants who have: - Gained a minimum of a level 8 qualification in a numerate discipline. Typical disciplines which would fall into this category would be: • Engineering • Architecture • Mathematics • Physics • Economics - Gained a minimum of a level 8 qualification in a programme with a significant IT component and/or significant numerate element. Such programmes vary greatly in mathematical and information technology content and assessemnt would be by detailed examination of subject content, assessments and syllabi. Typical programmes which would fall into this category could include: • Management Information Systems • Accounting • Business • Management
The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements of a level 8 degree for this programme, may be considered based on relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed using a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced and interview.
Assessment
There is an emphasis on real-world based projects and assessments in order to provide skills that are attractive in industry.
Career Bridge (Career Management Module)
Assisting students develop and achieve their career goals is a core mission within the NCI Career Development and Employability Office (CDEO). The CDEO won the 2013 AHECS “Excellence in Employability Award” for their work with students undertaking skills conversion programmes. The compulsory Career Bridge module involves developing a career action plan and develops in students the ability to self-manage their careers, identify and apply for career opportunities, develop an online brand, network effectively and promote themselves at interview.
Please note that some exams may take place in the daytime.
Programme Content Semester 1 • Object Oriented Software Engineering • Software Development • Web Design • Computer Architecture, Operating Systems and Networks • Introduction to Databases
Semester 2 • Advanced Programming • Data Structures and Algorithms • Web Services and API Development • Project • Career Bridge
Work placement will occur post semester 2
Work Placement
The work placement is an ideal way to utilise newly acquired skills to transition into a chosen career area. The CDEO works collaboratively with students and proactively with industry to identify suitable
Start Date
The course is expected to commence the week of 16th September 2013
Fees
Free to eligible unemployed persons. Please note the scheme does not cover any allowance for books or other materials.
work placement opportunities and will endeavour to secure a work placement for each eligible student.
Indicative Schedule
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 18.00 – 22.00 and every Saturday 11.00 – 17.00
Application
All applicants must apply online at www.springboardcourses.ie
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Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics Duration: 1 year, 2 semesters of 13 weeks plus work placement Programme Overview The analysis and interpretation of data to address the problems of business and society is an area experiencing massive growth. Diverse areas such as insurance, retail, sports, finance, green technology, pharmaceutical and medical and the government and public policy sectors are all looking for individuals with skills in analysing the ‘big data’ they are confronted with in helping them make management decisions. The programme will equip you to enter the world of data analytics through building a foundation of strong statistical knowledge, developing problem-solving skills for business analysis, and helping you understand and use business data to deliver better decision making. This higher diploma will give you the technical skills in areas like statistics, programming, database management and web mining in addition to business skills such as communication that will help you make an impact and equip you for a wide range of roles. The programme also includes a career bridge module which will build your job seeking and personal career management skills to enable you to enter this new area of job opportunity.
Location: IFSC Campus
As a graduate of this course you will be able to: • Develop core skills to carry out effective data analysis utilising descriptive and inferential statistics within a business context • Solve real business problems using generally accepted practices in the field of business analysis supported by the choice and application of appropriate data analysis tools • Develop technical skills to enable learners to process multiple datasets using relevant modelling, programming, data storage, and computational techniques • Communicate effectively the results of data analysis to technical and non-technical audiences • Apply analytical thinking techniques, communication, and interaction skills to support decision making and address business requirements • Apply data-mining and knowledge discovery techniques to process datasets from multiple diverse data sources
Who is the programme for?
The programme is particularly suitable for those with numeracy skills who wish to work as data analysts, business analysts or to enter into management roles across a range of sectors. You do not need to have previously studied programming. However, given the timeframe and the amount of technical and statistical content applicants should be prepared to fully commit to the programme.
Programme Content Semester 1 • Introduction to Data Mining • Business Analysis and Problem Solving Techniques • Business Data Analysis • Programming for Big Data
Semester 2 • Data and Web Mining • Advanced Business Data Analysis • Communication Skills – Enhance your personal impact • Project • Career Bridge
Work placement will occur post semester 2
Assessment
The programme will be assessed with a blend of project work and exams. This varies between modules but typically assessment is 50% continuous assessment and 50% exam. Please note that in some instances exams may take place in the daytime.
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Career Bridge (Career Management Module)
Assisting students develop and achieve their career goals is a core mission within the NCI Career Development and Employability Office which won the 2013 AHECS “Excellence in Employability Award” for their work with students undertaking skills conversion programmes. The compulsory Career Bridge module involves developing a career action
plan and develops in students the ability to selfmanage their careers, identify and apply for career opportunities, develop an online brand, network effectively and promote themselves at interview.
organisations in IT, finance and consulting in order to suit their business needs and thus securing future employment for graduates.
Work Placement
Entry Requirements
NCI’s Careers and Employability office work with industry in identifying suitable work placement opportunities for students on the programme. We will endeavour to secure a work placement for each student. Students who engage with the Career Bridge module enjoy a high degree of success in securing a work placement. We view the work placement as the ideal way to use your newly acquired skills to transition into a long term career.
Career Prospects
Several worldwide reports have highlighted a shortage of talent in this area. The McKinsey Global Institute (2011) has reported that there will be a shortage of talent necessary for organisations to take advantage of business intelligence and data analytics. MGI predicts that “by 2018, the United States alone could face a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 people with deep analytical skills as well as 1.5 million managers and analysts with the know-how to use the analysis of big data to make effective decisions”. A 2011 Bloomberg Businessweek Research Services survey of global businesses (published in 2012) shows that 97% of companies with revenues of more than $100 million are using some form of business analytics. 43% of these companies reported plans to increase analytical talent. Locally some estimates indicate a skills shortage of over 3,000 graduates with analytics skills in Ireland during the same period. This programme has been developed in consultation with large
Start Date
The course is expected to commence the week of 16th September 2013
Fees
Free to eligible unemployed persons. Please note the scheme does not cover any allowance for books or other materials.
Indicative Schedule
Tuesday and Thursday 18.00 – 22.00 and every Saturday 09.00 – 17.00
Application
Applicants holding an honours degree (level 8 or equivalent) in any discipline will be considered for this Higher Diploma in Data Analytics. Candidates will ideally be able to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem solving skills as part of previous programme learning. Typically holders of more technical, numerate degrees are likely to gain a higher ranking in any order of merit in selection for the programme. Typical disciplines which would fall into this category would be: • Mathematics • Engineering • Architecture • Physics • Economics Some candidates will also have gained a minimum of a level 8 qualification in a programme with a significant IT component and/or significant numerate element. Such programmes vary greatly in mathematical content and assessment would be by detailed examination of subject content, assessments and syllabi. Typical programmes which would fall into this category could include: • Management • Information Systems • Accounting • Business Candidates with other level 8 honours degrees will also be considered on a case by case basis and will need to be able to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem solving skills in addition to their level 8 qualification. This may take the form of additional certifications, additional qualifications, and certified experience and assessment tests. Applicants in this category will be assessed on a case by case basis and this may involve an interview and a candidate assessment session. For candidates who do not have a level 8 qualification the college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic entry requirements may be considered based on relevant work or other experience.
Award
The Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics is awarded by QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Students who successfully complete this programme may progress to postgraduate and masters awards at level 9.
All applicants must apply online at www.springboardcourses.ie
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Certificate in Digital Marketing Duration: 1 year, 2 semesters of 13 weeks plus work placement
Course Description: Digital technologies have transformed the world of marketing and the way in which companies communicate with customers. The emergence of digital marketing has also created numerous job opportunities with a shortage of qualified people in this area. This is a degree level part-time course designed by some of the leading practitioners in the area and delivered in state of the art computer labs. The digital marketing course covers the digital marketing landscape, search engine optimisation, user experience design, writing and content strategy, digital advertising, social media, online PR, measurement, implementation of a digital marketing campaign and as an overall project the creation of a digital marketing strategy. The course differs from other programmes in that it is extremely practical and you will work on live case studies and projects. We will also have a range of guest speakers from industry. You will learn by doing, in computer labs and through the use of technologies like websites and blogs and platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn and project management tools used in the digital sector. The course will give you a deep understanding of the latest thinking, tools and techniques needed to drive a brand or organisation online. You will be able to create and implement impactful digital strategies. This skill set is one of the most in demand in today’s sales and marketing world.
Career Prospects:
As more and more companies move their marketing activity to online and the world of social media continues to grow there are major career opportunities in this area. Pricewaterhouse Coopers estimate a 12% increase in online spend meaning a rise in both the number and range of vacancies available. Recruitment agencies operating in the area of marketing and advertising say that there is a shortage of experienced digital marketing professionals within Ireland. The increase in jobs in the area of digital marketing is evidenced in a range of government reports from agencies such as Forfás and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs.
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Location: IFSC Campus
Who the programme is for?
This course is perfect for those with marketing or communication skills who want to update their understanding in the area of digital marketing. It is ideal for those looking to enter the world of digital marketing, either for an agency or for an organisation directly. It would be useful for those from more technical backgrounds such as webmasters or people with IT backgrounds who wish to appreciate how digital marketing works and who wish to add marketing skills to their technical abilities. It will also be of interest to those thinking of starting an online business.
Award and Progression:
The Certificate in Digital Marketing is a Special Purpose Award (30 ECTS credits) awarded by QQI at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Career Bridge (Career Management Module)
Assisting students develop and achieve their career goals is a core mission within the NCI Career Development and Employability Office which won the 2013 AHECS “Excellence in Employability Award” for their work with students undertaking skills conversion programmes. The compulsory Career Bridge module involves developing a career action plan and develops in students the ability to self-manage their careers, identify and apply for career opportunities, develop an online brand, network effectively and promote themselves at interview.
Work Placement
The work placement is an ideal way to use your newly acquired skills to transition into your chosen career area. The office works collaboratively with students and proactively with industry to identify suitable work placement opportunities and will endeavour to secure a work placement for each eligible student.
Academic Entry Requirements:
A degree or equivalent at level 8 in marketing or a related field such as business, communications, media sales etc. Applicants who hold a minimum level 8 or equivalent qualification in a non-cognate field but with work experience in a related area will also be eligible for entry onto the programme.
Assessment:
The course will be assessed with real world based projects and continuous assessment. There are no exams.
Programme Content: Digital Marketing Landscape and Strategy •Evolution of the digital landscape •New media, consumer behaviour and expectations •Legal Environment •Current and near-future trends •Digital within the traditional marketing mix •The development, implementation and evaluation of a digital marketing strategy Project Management and Measurement for Digital Marketing •Structured approaches to web project management •Measurement and Analytics •Permission based marketing, both email and social •Social media monitoring Technology and User Experience •User Experience UX design •Writing for the web, content strategy and the semantic web •The convergence and integration of emergent technology •Beyond the web looking at other devices Social Media Marketing & PR •Social Strategy •Nature of social media and the convergence of technology and communications channels •Social media for business •Creating and editing online video, audio and podcasting •Online advertising and online PR Career Bridge •Self awareness - personality, aptitude and skills, awareness of options •Networking & accessing the hidden jobs market •Job search strategies Work placement will occur post semester 2
Start Date
The course is expected to commence in the week of 16th September 2013
Fees
Free to eligible unemployed persons. Please note the scheme does not cover any allowance for books or other materials.
Indicative Schedule
Tuesday and Thursday 18.00 - 21.00 (Times subject to change)
Application
All applicants must apply online at www.springboardcourses.ie
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Certificate in Web Development Duration: 1 semester of 13 weeks plus industry based project Course Description:
As the internet becomes increasingly vital for all types of organisations the demand for individuals with web development skills continues to grow globally. This programme will give you a detailed insight into web development and its application to business and other environments. It will give you an understanding of computing foundations, web development and multimedia design. The programme will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the theory of web development and the foundations of computing, the skills to analyse, design and develop web applications using software tools and the competence to use standards and best practices in industry to develop web applications.
Who the programme is for?
This is an ideal foundation programme in web development. The programme provides technical skills and knowledge neccessary to obtain entry level web based employment roles such as junior web developer. Web development is also identified as an attractive skill for companies doing business on the web.
Start Date
The course is expected to commence the week of 16th September 2013
Indicative Schedule
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 18.00 - 22.00 and every second Saturday 09.00 - 17.00 (Times subject to change)
Schedule - Blended Learning
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 18.00 - 22.00 and 5 Saturdays 09.00 - 17.00 (Times subject to change)
Fees
Free to eligible unemployed persons. Please note the scheme does not cover any allowance for books or other materials.
Application
All applicants must apply online at www.springboardcourses.ie
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Location: IFSC Campus
Award
The award consists of 30 QQI credits at level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications. It also provides progression to a suite of programmes that will enable the graduates of the programme to further their skills and knowledge on either a full or part-time basis on programmes such as BSc (Hons) in Computing or Higher Certificate in Computing.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirement is for a Leaving Certificate or an equivalent level 5 or level 6 NFQ award. Students who have a FETAC level 5/6 (NCVA level 2) award will be eligible. Mature applicants, those over 23, who do not meet the minimum entry requirements will also be considered based on other experience. The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on relevant work and other experience.
Career Opportunities
This programme will allow you to access entry level web based employment roles such as junior web developer, web administrators and content editors. The programme also provides individuals with the skills to become self-employed in the area of web development.
Programme Content • • • • •
Introduction to Computers HTML and Web Design Introduction to Multimedia Software Project Career Bridge
Assessment
The assessment of each module includes but is not limited to exams and practical work that includes laboratory sessions and projects.
Career Bridge (Career Management Module)
Assisting students develop and achieve their career goals is a core mission within the NCI Career Development and Employability Office which won the 2013 AHECS “Excellence in Employability Award” for their work with students undertaking skills conversion programmes. The compulsory Career Management module involves developing a career action plan and develops in students the ability to self-manage their careers, identify and apply for career opportunities, develop an online brand, network effectively and promote themselves at interview.
Industry Based Project
The industry based project is an ideal way to use your newly acquired skills to transition into your chosen career area. This will be a supervised project completed after the first semester.
Diploma in National and International Selling Duration: 1 year, 2 semesters of 13 weeks plus work placement
Location: IFSC Campus Subject to QQI accreditation
Programme Overview
The role of the salesperson has changed profoundly. They must engage more strategically with their territory and thoroughly understand the needs of their buyer. They must also use new tools such as social media to attract and retain customers. This programme developed in partnership with the Sales Institute of Ireland gives you the opportunity to specialise in national or international sales. It is relevant to those in indigenous field sales and international inside sales roles.
Who is the programme for?
This programme is most relevant to people that have experience of sales or wish to enter on that career path.
Award and Progression
This is a full level 7 diploma (60 ECTS credits). Graduates from this programme can progress to a wide variety of programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Career Bridge (Career Management Module)
Assisting students develop and achieve their career goals is a core mission within the NCI Career Development and Employability Office which won the 2013 AHECS “Excellence in Employability Award” for their work with students undertaking skills conversion programmes. The compulsory Career Bridge module involves developing a career action plan and develops in students the ability to self-manage their careers, identify and apply for career opportunities, develop an online brand, network effectively and promote themselves at interview.
Work Placement
The work placement is an ideal way to use your newly acquired skills to transition into your chosen career area. The office works collaboratively with students and pro-actively with industry to identify suitable work placement opportunities and will endeavour to secure a work placement for each eligible student.
Modules - Term 1 In term 1 the learner will take two core modules and choose one elective.
Core Module - Sales Process
The purpose of this module is to enable the learner to develop an overview of their market and territory and to think and engage strategically within it. On successful completion, the learner will: • Demonstrate understanding of all stages of the sales process • Have the ability to read, interpret and utilise sales metrics • Be able to clearly articulate the buying process • Develop the ability to critically evaluate their performance
Core Module - Sales Communications
The purpose of this module is to enable the learner to be verbally persuasive and compelling in all anticipated sales scenarios. The learner will discover how to: • Develop specific contact strategies to engage prospects • Influence well over the phone • Prepare professionally for sales meetings • Conduct more compelling sales meetings that shorten the sales cycle • Critically evaluate their own performance at sales meetings • Prepare and deliver formal sales presentations Elective - Account Management In flat markets, it is vital to retain and grow existing business. On successful completion of this module, learners will: • Engage accounts more strategically • Differentiate your company • Develop stakeholder strategies to ensure continuity of business • Write and execute account plans for retention and growth
Programme Format and Assessment
The programme will be delivered part-time (approx 9 hours per week) over 2 terms of 13 weeks each.
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Elective - International Sales Process On successful completion, the learner will be able to: • Profile the ideal international prospect and develop a specific connection strategy • Understand the international buyer’s buying process • Locate and utilise relevant business communities where the ideal international prospects gather • Understand how buying culture varies within international region
Modules - Term 2 In term 2 the learner will undertake two core modules, one elective and a dissertation.
Core Module - Social Media for Sales
On successful completion of this module, learners will: • Understand the evolution of social media and the impact it has on buyer behaviour • Understand what the different social channels have to offer and what sales objectives they can actually achieve • Have practical experience and understanding of using social media at all parts of the sales process: to create awareness, generate prospects and leads, provide customer service, and to make customers evangelists
Core Module - Negotiation and Writing Skills for Sales
On successful completion of this module, learners will: • Be able to plan for negotiation scenarios to maximise success • Structure negotiation meetings to create more win win deals • Handle adversarial tactics • Write compelling emails to get meetings • Write professional and persuasive sales proposals • Write professional and persuasive sales tenders
Start Date
The course is expected to commence in the week of 16th September 2013
Fees
Free to eligible unemployed persons. Please note the scheme does not cover any allowance for books or other materials.
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Elective - International Sales Communications This module builds on the material in the first term. It will equip the learners to successfully communicate in that sales context. On successful completion of this module, learners will have the ability to: • Research comprehensively for inside sales meetings • Develop early in the sales process a clear understanding of the buying process • Influence and engage in a remote context • Conduct persuasive presentations in a remote setting Elective - Channel Management On successful completion of this module, learners will: • Show understanding of which channels are most relevant across a variety of contexts • Have the ability to build and deploy effective partner management strategies • Display understanding of the complexities, tools and techniques related to optimising a partner management strategy
Core Module - Career Bridge • • • •
Career Investigations Report Networking & accessing the hidden jobs market Job search strategies Effective presentation and interview skills
Core Module - Dissertation
The objective of the dissertation is to get the learners to synthesise their thinking and improve their business judgement. Students are required to select a substantial work related challenge which requires the use of skills and knowledge gained throughout the programme.
Work Placement
The work placement is an ideal way to use your newly acquired skills to transition into your chosen career area. The office works collaboratively with students and proactively with industry to identify suitable work placement opportunities and will endeavour to secure a work placement for each eligible student.
Indicative Schedule Monday and Wednesday 18.00 – 22.00
Application
All applicants must apply online at www.springboardcourses.ie
Eligibility
Eligibility This scheme allows for 100% funding of the tuition cost of these programmes
To be eligible a person must be: Unemployed with a previous history of employment AND satisfy one of the following three criteria: 1. Be in receipt of one of the following payments from the Department of Social Protection: • Jobseeker’s Benefit • Jobseeker’s Allowance • Back to Work Enterprise Allowance • One Parent Family • Disability Allowance • Qualified Adults of Working Age OR 2. Be signing for social insurance contribution credits OR 3. Be previously self-employed AND be actively seeking employment 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.
Application
Please feel free to contact us on 1850 221 721 to enquire about an application. All applicants must apply online at www.springboardcourses.ie. Please note participants must meet NCI’s academic admission criteria for any courses. Eligibility for funding does not infer eligibility for the course. All courses run subject to student numbers.
Places Available
Demand for these programmes is expected to exceed the number of available places. Places will be offered on a first come first served basis for eligible applicants. A cut-off date for applications may also apply and this will be posted on our website.
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Social Welfare Payments
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. 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 programme. • Carers Allowance • Farm Assist/Fish Assist • Widow(er)s Contributory or Non-contributory Pension • Blind Pension • Deserted Wives Allowance 10
Course Funding in the event of obtaining a job
Should you obtain a job during your course of study the funding will remain in place for the duration of your course. The timing of the classes is aimed to allow people to work and study at the same time. If you do gain employment during the course please contact us to see how we can best facilitate you completing your course. Please note that Springboard funding covers tuition fees only. It does not cover supplementary costs which may be incurred such as transport, books or other learning materials or equipment.
Why Choose NCI?
NCI has over 60 years’ experience working with adult learners. All our programmes under Springboard are accredited by QQI, so they are recognised nationally and internationally. The college provides a supportive learning environment and tailored facilities and assistance for students who may be returning to education after a number of years. In particular for these Springboard programmes our tutors will offer you additional optional structured small group sessions to assist you throughout the programme. We offer a very well-resourced library for all our students. A dedicated programme leader will look after the organisation of your course and make sure all your needs are met. NCI has been very successful with previous educational initiatives for the unemployed. We have worked with industry to offer courses linked to areas of real job opportunity such as cloud computing, digital marketing and web technology skills. Our programmes together with our Career Bridge and work placement elements will help people get back into the workforce. All our programmes are practical and are delivered by industry experts. We benefit from a convenient location with the LUAS just outside our door and we are minutes from Connolly Station.
For Further Information Contact Tel:1850 221 721 Web: www.ncirl.ie Email: springboard@ncirl.ie
All applications must be through www. springboardcourses.ie
Information Sessions
National College of Ireland will host information sessions so you can discuss the programme and decide which course is right for you. See our website www.ncirl.ie for more details. If you do not qualify under Springboard you may apply directly to National College of Ireland. For details of all our full and part-time programmes and fee information please see www.ncirl.ie or call 1850 221 721
Maths and Learning Support:
Some students, particularly those returning to education, may benefit from additional maths and learning support sessions. Our specialist tutors will offer you additional optional structured small group tutorial sessions to assist you throughout the programme.
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National College of Ireland Mayor St. IFSC Dublin 1
Tel:1850 221 721 Web: www.ncirl.ie Email: springboard@ncirl.ie