Jobseekers set to snap up 2,500 free third-level courses

JOBSEEKERS will be invited within weeks to apply for 2,500 free third-level places on courses related to key sectors of the economy.

Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe is calling on colleges to come up with proposals for part-time programmes in the medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, international financial services, food and other sectors in which greater numbers of qualified workers are expected to be needed in future.

Around 1,500 of the positions were announced by the Government in the April supplementary budget and will be for unemployed people with Leaving Certificate or equivalent of a level 6 (higher certificate) college qualification wishing to acquire a qualification up to degree level.