Cowen welcomes new one-stop-shop for upskilling

Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly, Barry Cowen has welcomed the launch of a new online portal for people seeking to upskill or retrain.

The online portal – www.gov.ie/therightcourse - is a one-stop-shop for businesses, employees or unemployed persons and outlines the third level options available to them.

Deputy Cowen commented, “Giving people options to direct or redirect themselves towards a new career or opportunity is something I support wholeheartedly.

“This new online portal gives people a very clear idea of what opportunities and options are on offer, and how they can access it and understand the supports available.

“It is so important that people have access to such options. The days of being in the one job for your career are over; being flexible is key, but making sure those options are available for people is equally as important.

“It is never too late to learn something new.”

This can be a short part-time course, a course for an individual in employment or an option to return to third-level.

The one-stop shop outlines the further education and training places, the courses in higher education on offer, and information for those on a social welfare payment.

Business owners are also encouraged to explore the range of upskilling options available from Skillnet Ireland including enterprise-led business supports, targeted upskilling opportunities for employees in businesses, free online training programmes and virtual job placements.

Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins TD added: “We have so much on offer but it can be a very difficult system to navigate.

“This website outlines all of your options – apprenticeship, traineeship, a short course, a degree, a Masters. And it offers supports for businesses too."

Log onto www.gov.ie/therightcourse.ie for further details.