6,000 college places for unemployed in Springboard programme

Over 6,000 new college places have been announced for unemployed people who want to upskill.

The Springboard programme allows jobseekers take up a course for free in one of 38 colleges around the country.

Most of the 171 courses on offer target areas where jobs are available including ICT and high end manufacturing.

"I did the quality engineering course through Springboard," said Edward Seery from Westmeath, who is back in employment after doing the course.

"It's been great upskilling. I got straight into a job a week after a week after finishing the course… it's given me the stepping stone to move on."

Details can be found at http://www.springboardcourses.ie/