188 new springboard places for ait penrose

Westmeath jobseekers got a boost recently with news that an additional 188 free places are being provided at Athlone Institute of Technology.

The places, which are part of the Springboard+ programme, were confirmed by Labour Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan last week and welcomed by Willie Penrose TD.

The free places will be provided in AIT and the part-time courses on offer span Certificates in Entrepreneurship and Certificates in Construction Skills up to level 6 and level 7.

Deputy Penrose said: “This is a hugely positive development for those in our community who are unemployed and are looking to upskill to find new work.

“Springboard+ has proven to be effective in supporting people expand their skillset. Data from the Department of Social Protection shows that 74% of Springboard+ participants from between 2011 and 2014 are now no longer on the Live Register.

“I have been working hard with my Labour Party colleagues in government to ensure more jobs are created in Westmeath and Longford. Programmes such as Springboard+ play a key role in helping people upskill and find work.

“I look forward to seeing these new free courses become available in Athlone and the surrounding areas, and people benefiting from them when seeking work.”