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 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 Donegal GAA Chairman Sean Dunnion. “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.