1,200 college places for jobless unfilled

MORE than 1,200 free third-level college places on offer to unemployed people are still unfilled three months after most courses began as part of a Government jobs drive.

The Springboard scheme was designed to re-skill people who have worked in construction, manufacturing and other areas worst affected by the downturn. The €22.8 million fund — initially announced a year ago and finalised as part of the Government’s jobs initiative in May — was designed to provide 5,900 higher education places up to masters degree level.

But the Irish Examiner revealed in early September that only 5,500 people had applied and just 2,700 places were filled just weeks before most courses were due to begin. Education Minister Ruairi Quinn then announced changes to the criteria, as it appeared that people who were otherwise suitable for the courses were not applying because they were not out of work for the necessary six months.