Springboard+ programme - an opportunity to upskill

The Springboard+ 2025 programme has been announced and offers almost 8,000 free and subsidised places on Higher Education courses across the country.

With an investment of €34.4 million from the National Training Fund, Springboard+ offers thousands of opportunities for people across Ireland to upskill or reskill, with a strong focus on ‘futureproofing’ careers in a rapidly evolving job market.

Springboard+ is one of the most impactful investments the Government makes in Further Education. The courses offered 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.

“This programme empowers people to study alongside their work and personal commitments with courses that are heavily subsidised or free, making upskilling more accessible and achievable for everyone,” says Deputy Lowry, “and I encourage people to check it out.”

Those who may be interested in advancing their current career, changing direction 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.

Two-thirds of people considering a Springboard+ course want to ‘futureproof their careers’ in an ever-changing workplace, according to research published by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

The Springboard+ 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 across the country.

Springboard+ is also making 26 ‘micro-credentials’ from this course list available for those interested in shorter courses to upskill in very specific areas.

Since 2011, over €400m has been spent on Springboard+ and over 110,000 people have benefited from the programme to date.

Courses are delivered both online and through blended learning, and last up to one year, on a a part-time or full-time basis.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are now open for courses starting between July 1 and October 31 at https://springboardcourses.ie/