Free higher education courses to be provided at TUS Athlone

Five free and subsidised higher education courses have been announced at the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands (TUS), as part of the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 scheme.

The courses are open to people interested in upskilling or reskilling in areas where skills are most needed in the Irish economy.

The programmes courses range from biopharmaceutical and medical device innovation to building surveying. Additional courses at TUS under this scheme will be made available in the coming months.

Head of Skills and Engagement at the Higher Education Authority, Dr. Vivienne Patterson, said: “As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, there are a number of areas within the economy that have an immediate skills shortage. HCI Pillar 1 courses aim to address these by upskilling and reskilling people in areas that industry have identified as a priority. These courses are an excellent opportunity for people who may be considering a change in career, or returning to the workforce, to upskill in an area that has future job prosperity – such as ICT, data analytics, and technology.

“All of the courses in Westmeath, and across the country will offer flexible learning options like blended and online learning. So, I would encourage people in Westmeath who may be considering enrolling in a course, to explore their options under the HCI scheme in colleges across the country, and not just in their home county.”

The HCI Pillar 1 scheme is a government initiative, run by the Higher Education Authority. Courses are open to graduates, those returning to education, professionals and unemployed candidates.

All courses are free for people who are unemployed and people who have taken time out of work or education to raise their families. For those in employment, 90% of the cost of a HCI Pillar 1 course is funded.

There are over 2,000 places on the HCI Pillar 1 scheme nationwide. Applications for courses are now open. Further information is available at springboardcourses.ie