SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, is making its eCollege online learning service available free of charge to support learners impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

eCollege is the national online learning service for the Further Education and Training sector, funded by SOLAS. It provides online courses including computer programming, data science, office productivity, and web and graphic design.

Andrew Brownlee, CEO SOLAS

Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS,  said:

“As we navigate our way through this national and global crisis, we have decided to open up our eCollege offering to the public, free of charge. This measure is designed to benefit those already doing a Further Education & Training course who would like to augment their learning and those who have recently become unemployed or had their hours reduced and who wish to upskill and reskill in digital competence.

“eCollege is online 24/7, so people can study at a time that suits them. While these are extremely difficult times we are living in, we hope that by making eCollege available we will help to support those whose livelihoods have been impacted by Covid-19 to re-enter or upskill in the labour market.”

The Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development John Halligan TD welcomed the announcement.

“This is a most welcome development. The Covid-19 outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation that has resulted in many people losing their jobs or working reduced hours.

“The opening up of eCollege provides a great learning opportunity for individuals to upskill or reskill and be ready for the time when the current restrictions come to an end and businesses are operating normally.”

eCollege courses are tutor-supported but independent study is required to reach certification standards.

To apply for an eCollege course, go to fetchcourses and create an account. Candidates will need an active email address and details of their PPSN and postal address.