Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

Darragh James · 29-06-2020 09:58AM

Officer Giggles wrote: »

Very few of the courses are solely online, part time courses will still have in person sessions, obviously with Covid 19, going online will be utilised that bit more but each college will be making their own call on that so it's impossible to know how each course will be managed

The entry requirements for each course are different, they are set out in the "more details" tab for each course on the website

Thank you

Darragh James · 29-06-2020 10:02AM

nibtrix wrote: »

I did a Springboard course with DCU, a PostGrad Diploma in Mgmt of Operations. They also did Pg Diplomas in Information System Strategy, Mgmt of Clean Technologies, Mgmt for Sustainable Development, Mgmt of Internet Enterprise Systems.
All run completely online except for 1 day at the beginning which was on-site in DCU (a Saturday). There are online tutorials some evenings but they are recorded, so you can watch them in your own time - or ignore them completely if you're happy with the other material.

I found it a very worthwhile course, but it was intensive. 60 credits in a single year is essentially a full-time course, so if you are also working full-time it's a lot of time needed. That said, there were several people on the course who successfully juggled a full-time job, study, and family responsibilities.

Thanks a mill, this is very helpful

Dante7 · 29-06-2020 10:54AM

I was just offered and accepted a place on the online BSc in Computing in Data Centre Management course at Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

CBear1993 · 29-06-2020 10:57AM

Dante7 wrote: »

I was just offered and accepted a place on the online BSc in Computing in Data Centre Management course at Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

This one caught my eye as well Dante, especially with all the data centres going up around the place, hopefully they last into the future!! I'm in construction so it could tie in well, have you any IT/Computing background? I don't.

Dante7 · 29-06-2020 11:02AM

CBear1993 wrote: »

This one caught my eye as well Dante, especially with all the data centres going up around the place, hopefully they last into the future!! I'm in construction so it could tie in well, have you any IT/Computing background? I don't.

I've worked in IT at a high enough level for 20 years, but never received a thrid level qualification - just industry certs. I'e been out of the workforce for the last few years as I'm a single parent and carer and I'm gearing up to return to work and this course could have been custom made for me.

CBear1993 · 29-06-2020 11:32AM

Do you both think you'd need some prior IT/Computing background yeah?

I'm handy enough on technology, QS in construction but never done IT in any shape or form which would put me off being on a course alongside the likes of yourselves!!

py · 29-06-2020 11:36AM

CBear1993 wrote: »

Do you both think you'd need some prior IT/Computing background yeah?

I'm handy enough on technology, QS in construction but never done IT in any shape or form which would put me off being on a course alongside the likes of yourselves!!

It depends on the level of the course. If it's going to be a Level 6/7/8 then I'd imagine no prior experience is required. For Level 9, whilst you wouldn't need a Level 6/7/8 behind you, you would definitely need a good chunk of work experience.

zweton · 29-06-2020 01:03PM

Dante7 wrote: »

I was just offered and accepted a place on the online BSc in Computing in Data Centre Management course at Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

What sort of job would be inline with a qualification like this?

Is it the first year its being run?

the whole year inn · 29-06-2020 02:15PM

Dante7 wrote: »

I was just offered and accepted a place on the online BSc in Computing in Data Centre Management course at Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

Have you a link to this please.

the whole year inn · 29-06-2020 02:53PM

This is it wrote: »

https://springboardcourses.ie/details/8177

Thanks.

I'd be interested in this, I have a level 8 in IT and currently working .

Any one have an idea of the modules being taught?

un5byh7sqpd2x0 · 29-06-2020 02:55PM

the whole year inn wrote: »

Thanks.

I'd be interested in this, I have a level 8 in IT and currently working .

Any one have an idea of the modules being taught?

An ability to Google is a distinct advantage when considering education. https://www.lyit.ie/CourseDetails/D202/LY_KDATA_B/DataCentreManagement

the whole year inn · 29-06-2020 02:59PM

Israel Tinkling Simulator wrote: »

An ability to Google is a distinct advantage when considering education. https://www.lyit.ie/CourseDetails/D202/LY_KDATA_B/DataCentreManagement

What's the problem me asking? I was looking through alot of courses and just wanted the correct link.

29-06-2020 02:59PM

Quick enough turnaround for you guys with that course. I applied for three courses on Friday but haven't heard anything back on any of them yet. Anyone with previous experience applying are they usually quick to get back to you?

FFVII · 29-06-2020 03:18PM

CBear1993 wrote: »

This one caught my eye as well Dante, especially with all the data centres going up around the place, hopefully they last into the future!! I'm in construction so it could tie in well, have you any IT/Computing background? I don't.

Their's not many data centers, its just most made the news for awhile due to planning difficulties. And they hire very few. About 10//15 jobs when up and running.

These courses exist due to expected demand/lack of expertise but I'd be iffy about this one.

I'd be looking why they're building them here at all and see if things are for changing. Are the modules good for anything else?

Esse85 · 29-06-2020 03:58PM

tolow wrote: »

Quick enough turnaround for you guys with that course. I applied for three courses on Friday but haven't heard anything back on any of them yet. Anyone with previous experience applying are they usually quick to get back to you?

It probably depends on the volume of applicants they get.

py · 29-06-2020 03:59PM

FFVII wrote: »

Their's not many data centers, its just most made the news for awhile due to planning difficulties. And they hire very few. About 10//15 jobs when up and running.

These courses exist due to expected demand/lack of expertise but I'd be iffy about this one.

I'd be looking why they're building them here at all and see if things are for changing. Are the modules good for anything else?

I'd agree with this. When you read about the job creation from data centers... most of the jobs are during the construction of them with a small % actually managing them going forward.

Vetch · 29-06-2020 04:02PM

One of the courses I'm applying for (a H. Dip) has a question in the application 'What abilities do you possess that you feel will help you on your chosen course?' I don't know if there is a word limit but just wondering how long of an answer people are writing? I'm thinking it keeping it very short and to the point.

Kiith · 29-06-2020 04:18PM

I just applied for a MSc in Cybersecurity there. Only have a lvl7 degree, but hopefully 10 years industry experience will help bridge the gap.

I can apply for more the one, right? Few others that look pretty good.

Vetch wrote: »

One of the courses I'm applying for (a H. Dip) has a question in the application 'What abilities do you possess that you feel will help you on your chosen course?' I don't know if there is a word limit but just wondering how long of an answer people are writing? I'm thinking it keeping it very short and to the point.

I kept it very short, maybe 15 words? "Technically minded with a drive to upskill in a new area" etc etc... :P

Kiith · 29-06-2020 04:28PM

Seems like the one i applied for isn't accepting applicants. Didn't notice that check box when searching, and it doesn't show when i check it. That should probably be checked by default

Applied for the Postgrad one as well, as that's showing as available.

BonnieSituation · 29-06-2020 07:15PM

tolow wrote: »

Quick enough turnaround for you guys with that course. I applied for three courses on Friday but haven't heard anything back on any of them yet. Anyone with previous experience applying are they usually quick to get back to you?

I've heard back from a couple looking for additional info. So they are being processes straight up.

Go into your account and check your applications. You should see updates there.

This is an example of one of my applications to an MSc in Carlow:

I've had emails today about additional docs.

the whole year inn · 29-06-2020 08:29PM

py wrote: »

I'd agree with this. When you read about the job creation from data centers... most of the jobs are during the construction of them with a small % actually managing them going forward.

I sent an email looking for more info on the modules. Cant the work be done remotely which would be one of the reasons I'm applying.

CBear1993 · 30-06-2020 08:48AM

Mentioned to a few of the directors / high up lads in my construction firm yesterday that I was going to do a postgrad / further study through springboard to get out of construction. It was just an open conversation environment in the kitchen.

I’d say 3 of them are on salaries of about €150K, in their late 40s/early 50s , all various directors, and they immediately laughed it off. Their comments were - “sure what would you do that for? No one ever asks anything about college courses”
“Jeezzz I wouldn’t recommend going back near college, sure it’s only a certificate, it’s as good as the piece of paper it’s written on”
“People look for experience not letters before your name, upto you if you want to put yourself through hell in the evenings outside of work for a year”
“All those colleges want is money, with a fake promise of a job at the end which they offer no support in getting, if it was that good they’d get you one when you sign up”

I couldn’t believe it!! Maybe just the older generation’s attitude? Bear in mind I’m nearly 95% sure that all of them would have done some form of level 8 degree at some point 25+ years ago.....

py · 30-06-2020 08:59AM

Has anyone who applied to any of the DCU courses heard back?

dinneenp · 30-06-2020 09:05AM

So if people are being accepted I presume get application in asap, even if they have closing application dates for August!
Mild panic....

AngryLips · 30-06-2020 01:37PM

CBear1993 wrote: »

Mentioned to a few of the directors / high up lads in my construction firm yesterday that I was going to do a postgrad / further study through springboard to get out of construction. It was just an open conversation environment in the kitchen.

I’d say 3 of them are on salaries of about €150K, in their late 40s/early 50s , all various directors, and they immediately laughed it off. Their comments were - “sure what would you do that for? No one ever asks anything about college courses”
“Jeezzz I wouldn’t recommend going back near college, sure it’s only a certificate, it’s as good as the piece of paper it’s written on”
“People look for experience not letters before your name, upto you if you want to put yourself through hell in the evenings outside of work for a year”
“All those colleges want is money, with a fake promise of a job at the end which they offer no support in getting, if it was that good they’d get you one when you sign up”

I couldn’t believe it!! Maybe just the older generation’s attitude? Bear in mind I’m nearly 95% sure that all of them would have done some form of level 8 degree at some point 25+ years ago.....

Well it's the sector they're in too, some industries you won't get called to interview without a degree on your CV. But unless it's a tech company, nobody is likely to look any further than that ...but why apply for jobs wondering if the reason it didn't go anywhere is to do with a lack of third level qualifications

dinneenp wrote: »

So if people are being accepted I presume get application in asap, even if they have closing application dates for August!
Mild panic....

I get the impression the private colleges accept faster than the public ones, they're all about getting bums on seats so the speak.

CBear1993 · 30-06-2020 02:39PM

RE: The posters on here that applied to the Level 6 BSc in Computing in Data Centre Management through Letterkenny IT online.

I emailed the course contact before applying and received a very wish-washy response. I basically asked what the career opportunities were as they aren't stated like they are on all the other course pages, and that after a data centre is constructed there isn't much to it.

He seemed rather offended and palmed me off by basically saying don't apply.....

zweton · 30-06-2020 02:52PM

CBear1993 wrote: »

RE: The posters on here that applied to the Level 6 BSc in Computing in Data Centre Management through Letterkenny IT online.

I emailed the course contact before applying and received a very wish-washy response. I basically asked what the career opportunities were as they aren't stated like they are on all the other course pages, and that after a data centre is constructed there isn't much to it.

He seemed rather offended and palmed me off by basically saying don't apply.....

lol nice!

the whole year inn · 30-06-2020 02:53PM

This is it wrote: »

That's not a good start. Though just to note, it won't be that person that's giving lecturers most likely

I think I'll be accepted to my first choice so I'll probably not do that course

Whats your first choice course ?

Illium · 30-06-2020 03:08PM

How long do you have between being offered a place and having to accept it?

CBear1993 · 30-06-2020 03:19PM

I've applied to the level 7/8 (can't remember) bachelors degree in pharmaceutical business operations through Innopharma. Anyone did this? 1 year PT.

No previous experience in Pharma or anything science, apart from working on pharma projects from a technical/cost aspect in construction as QS.

Will probably back out before it begins but sure it's something anyway.

Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

Comments