Upskilling iniative Springboard opens 2025 applications
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Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Sligo electrician's return to the books at the age of 53 is one he doesn't regret
Michael Walsh is now a Springboard+ graduate and is encouraging others to consider applying for a free or heavily subsidised higher education course through Springboard+ 2025, which is currently open for applications. Springboard+ has made over 800 places available on 27 courses in the Donegal-Sligo-Leitrim region, through a combination of hybrid and fully online learning. The courses cover areas including engineering, manufacturing and construction, health and welfare, and green economy. Michael was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Electric Vehicle Technology from ATU Donegal. He said: 'The education opportunities offered by Springboard+ are fabulous. 'I didn't have the interest or maturity when I was at school to apply myself to study, but aged 53, I completed my first course after hearing about Springboard+ through Sligo ATU. 'I really enjoyed the Bachelor of Science in Electric Vehicle Technology and I'm looking at completing another course this year in Construction Contracts Management, with a view to lecturing or teaching. 'To anyone thinking about a Springboard+ course, I'd say, take the opportunity with both hands and avail of every opportunity to learn. 'School just didn't suit me, but the course delivery for Springboard+ makes studying easy and provides lots of resources so people with other life and family commitments can access them.' Nationwide, Springboard+ has made almost 8,000 free and subsidised places on 249 higher education courses available nationwide for participants wishing to upskill or reskill in areas such as digital and green skills and other areas where job opportunities are growing in Ireland. All courses will commence between 1st July and 31st October 2025.
The Journal
03-06-2025
- The Journal
Applications open for the free college courses on offer for the next academic year
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW open for Springboard, an initiative that offers free and heavily subsidised college courses. The courses on offer for this year were announced last week . They are mainly available in areas aligning with national economic priorities such as infrastructure planning, sustainable building, renewable energy, digital skills, cyber security, and artificial intelligence. You can view here the full list of courses made available. The courses are provided 'at certificate, degree, and masters level leading to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy'. Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless said that the initiative is 'one of the most impactful' investments made by the government in further education. The courses on offer are designed to respond to evolving skills demands. 'It offers thousands of learners the chance to upskill or reskill in areas where Ireland needs talent from artificial intelligence to infrastructure planning to cybersecurity,' he said. Lawless added that Springboard is meant to make upskilling more accessible and achievable for everyone. Advertisement It will deliver 7,719 places across 249 courses for the 2025/26 academic year. All courses will commence between 1 July and 31 October 2025. Courses are flexible and accessible, with 96% delivered online or in blended format, designed to support working professionals, jobseekers, and those returning to further education alike, the department said. Some of the universities offering courses that are covered include Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, University College Cork, University of Galway, University of Limerick, and University College Dublin. A large number of places are also available in technological universities and institutes, with a large volume available for applications in ATU campuses across Ireland. You can check your eligibility for the initiative here . You must have a valid PPS number and be living full-time in the Republic of Ireland. 'Applicants currently unemployed, or seeking to return to the workforce after a career break to care for loved ones, qualify for a free place on a higher education course,' a statement said. If you are in employment, 90% of the total fees are covered by Springboard, with the remaining 10% covered either by the applicant or their employer. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
03-06-2025
- RTÉ News
Upskilling iniative Springboard opens 2025 applications
Dr Vivienne Patterson, Higher Education Authority, outlines how Springboard courses can boost people's careers as applications open for its 2025 programme.
