Nine institutes of technology, in partnership with major companies based in Ireland, have introduced two intensive courses to train more people for careers in IT.

The courses - one in computing and the other in manufacturing technology - will begin in January and last 18 months.

This includes a paid six-month placement in an appointed company. Applications are processed through the CAO, and the closing date is 5.15 p.m. on Monday, November 9th.

The initiative has been strongly supported by Enterprise Ireland, and participating companies include Intel, Dell, 3Com, Gateway, Xerox, IBM and Ericsson. The courses are ideally suited to adults seeking chances in the workplace and under-employed people looking for more challenging careers.

A pilot scheme conducted this year saw 290 people enrol for the National Certificate. There will be about 500 places available on these the two courses.