Sir, – I refer to the recent article on male unemployment ("Men overboard", Weekend Review, October 5th). In the article, job-seeker Terry O'Connor refers to the potential loss of his income support from social welfare if he was to take up a re-skilling course and the fact that he cannot afford the fees. Springboard, a government initiative, managed by the HEA, offers free, part-time higher education and training to job-seekers with a previous employment history. Because courses are part-time, participants in receipt of social welfare can retain their entitlements over the duration of the course. All Springboard courses provide skills which are directly linked with growth areas of the economy, and where there are quality, sustainable jobs. 40 per cent of Springboard participants are back in employment within six weeks of completing their course. Further information at www.springboardcourses.ie. – Yours, etc,
PETER BROWN,
Programme Manager, HEA,
Crampton Avenue, Dublin 4.