Every year hundreds of people miss out on the opportunity to avail of free or heavily subsidised third-level courses run under the Springboard+ scheme.
These courses are available to both employed and un-employed people looking to upskill or reskill.
Springboard+ is a government-backed initiative aimed at boosting employability and supporting workforce development in high-demand sectors, placing a strong focus on futureproofing careers in a rapidly evolving job market.
Variety of courses
This year’s Springboard+ programme will deliver almost 8000 places across 249 courses in 37 public and private higher education institutions, including Trinity, Maynooth, RCSI, UCD, DCU, UCC, UG, UL, TUD, IADT, DkIT, NCI, ATU, MTU, SETU, TUS, DBS and Griffith.
Courses are developed in collaboration with industry bodies and employers to ensure that participants graduate with skills that are immediately applicable in the workforce.
Popular areas include infrastructure planning, sustainable building, data analytics, cyber security, artificial intelligence, supply chain management, renewable energy and green technologies—sectors where the government has identified a growing need for skilled talent.
Other in-demand courses include ICT, digital marketing, engineering, , manufacturing and construction, international financial services, medical technologies, healthcare, hospitality and creative industries.
Courses are offered at levels 6 to 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), i.e. certificate, degree, and masters level.
A number of shorter ‘micro-credentials’ courses are also on offer for those wishing to upskill in very specific areas.
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.
Cost
Most courses are free for those not in employment, while employed participants may need to pay a small fee (usually 10%) for courses at Level 7 and above.
Courses at Level 6 are typically free to everyone. The micro-credentials courses which last around 12 weeks are 50% subsidised for all participants.
Eligibility
You can apply for Springboard+ if you are:
- Unemployed
- Employed
- A recent graduate
- Returning to education or work after being a carer or homemaker or economically dependent on a partner/spouse for at least 9 of the last 12 months.
You must:
- Be living in Ireland
- Have your PPS number
- Meet the residency requirements
- Meet other eligibility criteria for EU and non-EU applicants
You can fully check your eligibility for Springboard+ courses here.
How to apply for a Springboard+ course
1.Browse Available Courses
- Check the course details
- Register for a Springboard+ account
4.Prepare Your documents
- Submit your application online
- Await communication from the institution/provider
- Accept the offer and enrol
Apply now
Applications are now open. It is a good idea to apply early. Some application deadlines are as early as June 30.
Whether you are at the beginning, middle or end of your current career these Springboard+ free/subsidised courses are well worth checking out. See here for FAQs.
Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Follow on Instagram for updates and reminders, or head over to the website to book a personalised guidance session.
SEE ALSO – Check out all of the other Martina Mulhall pieces here
