News
Springboard courses provide excellent opportunities to upskill

By Niamh Dwyer, Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors
The Higher Education Authority has recently announced the range of Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative Pillar 1 courses on offer for 2022-2023 to those who are in employment, unemployed, returning to work or graduates meeting the eligibility criteria.
For anyone who is seeking to develop in or change career, these courses offer a fantastic opportunity to add to or learn a new set of skills, which are in demand in the workplace.
They are provided by Higher Education Institutions (HEI) nationwide with a variety of classroom based, remote or blended delivery.
Springboard+ is a Government initiative offering free and heavily subsidised courses on over 300 courses at certificate, degree, and masters level leading to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy.
These areas include ICT, engineering, green skills, manufacturing and construction, among many others. The majority of courses are flexible and part-time. The Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 offers 89 free and discounted full-time courses in areas such as ICT and Data Analytics, Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction. A number of courses are also available that address green skills and climate change. Courses are at graduate and postgraduate diploma level.
To be considered eligible for a place on a Springboard+ course, applicants need to be living full-time in the Republic of Ireland, have their own valid PPS Number and meet the nationality/visa requirement.
Applications are now open with some deadlines in June and start dates in early July. The flexible nature of these programmes as well as their exceptional value for money mean that they will be in demand.
For further details on all courses including entry requirements and on how to apply, log onto www.springboard.ie.
Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, and Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors. She is also a Career Consultant - For details see www.mycareerplan.ie or follow @mycareerplan on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
News
World Rally Champion Phil Mills’ Killarney visit
Former World co-driving champion Phil Mills will be one of the guests of honour at a special Killarney and District Motor Club event next month. The club is celebrating Prodrive’s […]

Former World co-driving champion Phil Mills will be one of the guests of honour at a special Killarney and District Motor Club event next month.
The club is celebrating Prodrive’s association with the Rally of the Lakes on October 14.
The legendary British motorsport preparation firm was responsible for building some of the most iconic associated with the local rally.
The celebration, which will raise funds for the Jack and Jill Foundation, will be hosted by the voice of Irish motorsport Alan ‘Plum’ Tyndall.
Welshman Mills, who won the 2003 World Rally Championship, alongside Petter Solberg has confirmed his attendance at the Killarney Racecourse-based event.
He is just one of many superstars attending the showcase.
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“Accompanying the stars will be a collection of iconic Prodrive machinery, ranging from the BMW E30 M3, all the way through to the Subaru Group A and World Rally Cars the 1990s and early 2000s,” said Killarney and District Motor Club vice chairman and organiser Mike Shea.
“All proceeds of this event will go directly to the Jack & Jill foundation helping provide support and special care to children across the country and is a once in a lifetime event.”
This event is in association with: Lyons of Limerick; C.Wharton Tool Hire Ltd; BG Motors Ltd; Castleisland Tyre Centre; Aherns Motor Group; Reen’s Rathmore Peugeot; KC Print and Moriarty’s Central Car Sales
News
National Park Autumn talks series 2023
The National Parks and Wildlife Service will run a series of talks on Thursday nights in October and November. Beginning on October 5 until November 16 the six-meeting programme will […]

The National Parks and Wildlife Service will run a series of talks on Thursday nights in October and November.
Beginning on October 5 until November 16 the six-meeting programme will cover everything for the nature within the national park to the history of Killarney and its surrounding areas.
The opening lecture, by the NPWS’s Eamon Meskell will tell the story of the White-Tailed eagle in Killarney.
The following week, local historian, Owen O’Shea will deliver a speech on the Civil War in Kerry.
The final October talk is scheduled for October and its topic is the fungi growing in the park.
The lectures resume in November, on November 2, John Breen will talk about the various ant species in the park, the following week will feature a talk on the McShain family’s contribution to the town.
The final meeting, on November 16 covers the Blasket Islands, past present and future.
All events take place at Killarney House at 8pm – free admission but limited seating.
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