‘Futureproofing’ a top priority for people in Tipperary considering Springboard+ programme
Two-thirds of people considering a Springboard+ course, including those in Tipperary, want to futureproof their careers in an ever-changing workplace.
Two-thirds of people considering a Springboard+ course, including those in Tipperary, want to futureproof their careers in an ever-changing workplace. That’s according to research published by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) as it launched its 2025 programme of higher education courses for participants wishing to upskill or reskill in areas where job opportunities are growing in Ireland.
The programme is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and in 2025, a total of 7,719 places are available on 249 courses delivered by 37 higher education institutes nationwide. Springboard+ is making 26 ‘micro-credentials’ from this course list available for those interested in shorter courses to upskill in very specific areas.
Martin O’Connor lives in Cobh, Co Cork, with his wife and three young daughters. He completed the L7 Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Processing from ATU, Sligo.
“I went straight into banking from school and worked many roles, including mortgage advisor and Retail Manager. Even though I had a good job, it was always at the back of my mind to study and try something else and after some research and talking to friends in the pharmaceutical industry, I completed my first course through Innoparma as I always had an interest in science.
“With three small children, having more time for them and a better work life balance was a priority, but I knew I’d had to take some big steps to get there. My wife and I had loads of conversations about how we’d manage family life while I was studying and I knew I’d have to really commit to get as much as possible from the L7 Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Processing. I worked in banking throughout the course but the support from lecturers and the time doing the practical classes reinforced my understanding.
“Studying this Springboard+ is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. The course being subsidised was a huge help and quite simply, if I hadn’t been doing this course I never would have got the job I have now. I get huge satisfaction from my new role, the product we manufacture is in demand across the world making life better for millions of patients and I have the third level qualification I always wanted.
“My advice to anyone considering a Springboard+ opportunity is do your research and go for it. The support and lecturers are fantastic, so invest the time and don’t let age or your previous background deter you!”
Announcing this year’s programme, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, said:
“Springboard+ is one of the most impactful investments this Government makes in the further education of its people. These courses are designed to respond directly to evolving skills demands, particularly in fast-growing and high-impact sectors. 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.
“As Minister, I’m proud to support Springboard+ with €34.4 million from the National Training Fund. This programme empowers people to study alongside work and personal commitments with courses that are heavily subsidised or free, making upskilling more accessible and achievable for everyone. I encourage everyone to look at what is available as whether you’re advancing in your current career, pivoting to a new one, or stepping onto the career ladder for the first time, Springboard+ is designed to open doors in an affordable, flexible way that has real career impact.”
This year, courses are available in areas such as Infrastructure planning; Sustainable Building; Renewable Energy; Digital Skills, Cyber security and Artificial Intelligence.
Speaking about this year’s programme, Dr Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics at the Higher Education Authority said:
“There are many reasons to consider a Springboard+ course, but the two key benefits are the cost and the quality.
If you’re eligible to apply for a full- or part-time Springboard+ course the most you’ll pay is 10% of the fees. If you’re currently out of work, you’ll be 100% subsidised through the Springboard+ programme. The micro-credentials courses which last around 12 weeks are 50% subsidised for all participants.
In terms of the quality of the course and the qualification at the end of it – courses range from Certificate (Level 6) to Masters (Level 9) on the National Framework of Qualifications and are delivered by the best public and private higher education providers around the country.”
46% of all Springboard+ are delivered entirely online, meaning people in Louth will have access to hundreds of courses across the country. Meanwhile, 51% of courses are delivered through blended learning, offering more flexibility to learners.”
Since 2011, over €400m has been spent on Springboard+ and over 110,000 people have benefited from the programme to date.
Springboard+ courses are delivered both online and through blended learning and last up to one year. Courses are available on a part-time or full-time basis, offering more flexibility to learners.
Applications are made through the Springboard+ website (https://springboardcourses.ie/) and applications will open on 3rd June. All courses will commence between 1st July and 31st October 2025.
Springboard+ is part funded by the European Union European Structural and Investment Funds (ESF). The primary objective of Springboard+ is to provide upskilling and reskilling courses to develop the talent base in Ireland in key growth sectors of the economy. (www.eufunds.ie)
Photo caption: Sean McCaffrey (HEA Springboard+ graduate), Sorcha Carthy (HEA microcredential graduate), James Lawless (Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science), Dr Vivienne Patterson (Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics at the Higher Education Authority), and Ciara Melinn (HEA microcredential graduate).