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.

A further 1,000 part- time postgraduate places are to be funded by institutions themselves from existing resources, and students in either scheme will not have to the pay fees part-time students would usually be required to pay.

"Part-time courses, which will be of varying duration, are more suited to the circumstances of workers who are unemployed and want to be able to re-enter the labour force as soon as possible," Mr O'Keeffe said.

The eligibility criteria will include being unemployed for at least six months when courses begin in September. Details of approved courses and applications are to be made known in mid-July.

The charging of fees for full-time third level students from next year is expected to emerge around the same time, as the minister is due to bring his report on the matter to cabinet colleagues in the next fortnight.

It is unclear what form or level of fees will be applied but Mr O'Keeffe has said students who are already in the higher education system would, most likely, not be affected.