04-07-2025
- Business
- 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.
