GAA agrees initiative with IT Sligo
to help graduates find employment at home
The
GAA and IT Sligo have joined forces with regional companies to help fast-track
young players across all codes of the Association into a successful work career
in Ireland.
IT
Sligo’s Higher Diploma in Science in Computing is aimed at retraining graduates
in a non-computer related discipline, and giving them the skills they need to
pursue a career in an IT-related field.
The
course is free for all successful applicants under
the Government-funded Springboard initiative, and is open to any student
who holds a primary degree. IT Sligo, which has been a national leader in
online learning since 2002, has sought to develop this partnership with the GAA
community, in particular, as it has lost many of its younger members in recent
years to emigration.
The
initiative has the backing of seven GAA county boards in the region. They are:
Cavan, Donegal, Mayo, Leitrim, Longford, Roscommon and Sligo.
“At a
time when the GAA is losing so many of its younger members to emigration as
they go in search of employment elsewhere, the Association is proud to support
this online learning initiative,” said Sligo GAA Chairman Joe Taaffe. “It
provides members of our community a new career opportunity and – crucially – helps
increase the likelihood that they will stay at home.”
The
initiative is part of a nationwide policy and is a direct response to the
current skills needs of the technology sector.
“Between
now and 2018, the projected shortfall of computer graduates in Ireland is
45,000,” explained programme coordinator Diane O’Brien. “IT Sligo is providing
this programme to offer young graduates a clear pathway towards a sustainable
career.”
The
Higher Diploma in Science in Computing is a full-time course. The lectures and
labs are delivered online. This gives students the flexibility to learn at
their own pace and schedule.
A key
component of this course will be a work placement with prominent regional
businesses which will have a minimum duration of three months. This will give
students the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills.
It is
open to any graduate with a level 8 qualification in an area other than
Computing, or a level 7 with ICT work experience.
To
apply, visit www.springboardcourses.ie.
The
closing date for course applications is August 29th.
For
more email the programme coordinator Diane O’Brien: dobrien@itsligo.ie.