Springboard courses are an Irish government initiative designed to help people upskill and stay ahead of the curve. With Ireland’s industries making rapid technological advancements, its workforce needs to keep pace. New and exciting jobs and opportunities are being created, and Springboard is designed to help enhance skills and advance your career.
In this article, we’re looking at what Springboard is and how it can help Ireland’s employees looking to upskill or reskill. We’ll break down how to choose the best Springboard courses for you and the enrollment process.
What is Springboard?
Springboard was launched by the Irish government in 2011 to provide free and subsidised educational courses aimed at upskilling and reskilling the workforce. The program is designed for unemployed individuals, those returning to the workforce, and those looking to advance their careers.
The goal of Springboard is to arm participants with the skills needed in sectors with growing job opportunities. It’s hoped that by offering these courses, any skill shortages can be addressed.
Springboard offers a range of courses, including ones in ICT, business, engineering, and healthcare. These courses are provided by higher education institutions and are often developed in collaboration with industry leaders to ensure relevance.
The courses range from certificates to postgraduate qualifications, providing options for different levels of prior education and experience.
Benefits of Springboard courses
As well as improving your qualifications and employability, there are many reasons why a Springboard course is beneficial:
Flexibility
Springboard courses are flexible, so they can work around your commitments. Many courses are offered part-time and online, allowing participants to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibility. This added flexibility makes it easier for Ireland’s workforce to pursue further education without having to put their lives on hold.
Affordability
Springboard courses are either free or heavily subsidised, making them an affordable option for those looking to upskill. With lower financial barriers to education, more people can access valuable learning opportunities that impact their career trajectories.
Industry relevance
Courses under the Springboard+ program are designed with a strong emphasis on industry needs. They are tailored to meet the current demands of employers, ensuring that participants gain practical and relevant skills. With this focus on industry needs, Springboard participants are better prepared for immediate entry into the job market.
Success stories
Modern employers value candidates who possess up-to-date skills and knowledge. In 2015, Majella Donlon took part in a Springboard course to reskill after working as a credit controller for 15 years.
“I enrolled on the Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics at the National College of Ireland, Dublin. I worked hard and graduated with a First Class Honour. I poured everything into doing the best that I could on the course. It was after all the key to opening the door on a brand new career.
I’d recommend returning to college for anyone thinking about a career change, not only did I learn all the theory and skills demanded by employers in data analytics, but I met a lot of like-minded positive people.” – Majella Donlon
Types of courses available with Springboard+
Springboard+ offers a wide array of courses across various fields. Whether you’re interested in information and communications technology (ICT), business, engineering, or healthcare, there’s a course tailored to meet your needs.
Here’s a short selection of courses available:
- Accounting and finance
- Digital leadership and transformation
- Data science
- Applied statistics
- GMP and pharmaceuticals
These courses range from certificates to bachelor’s degrees to postgraduate qualifications. No matter what stage of your career you’re in, there’s something suitable for all educational backgrounds and career stages.
How to choose the right Springboard course for you
Selecting the right Springboard course is important for getting the most out of the program and taking your career to its next level.
Start by clearly defining your career goals. Are you looking to enter a new field, advance in your current one, or gain specific skills?
Understanding your objectives will help you choose a course that aligns with your aspirations.
When selecting a springboard course, look at the following:
- Course content: Does the curriculum cover the skills and knowledge you need?
- Delivery method: Decide if you prefer online, part-time, or in-person classes based on your schedule.
- Accreditation: Check that the course is accredited and recognized by employers in your desired industry.
Resources for researching courses
Finding the right course takes time, but there are online resources to help you. Consider looking at one of the following websites:
You can also head to your local college or university’s website to see if they offer Springboard courses. These will be listed on their website and can help you narrow down which course is right for you.
How many Springboard courses can you do?
You might be wondering, how many Springboard courses can I take?
Generally, you can enrol in one Springboard+ course at a time. You can also take a maximum of three courses within a five-year time period. After that, you must wait two years before applying for another Springboard course.
You can apply for up to 10 courses to maximise your chances of being accepted onto one of your preferred courses.
To make the most of these opportunities, try planning ahead. Map out a long-term educational plan that includes multiple courses over time. Choose courses that build on each other to enhance your expertise in a specific area.
Case studies
After being made redundant, another Springboard applicant reskilled and pursued a career in HR. Marion Courtney took a postgraduate diploma in management after attending an open day at the National College of Ireland:
“I was interested in international business, and I knew I wanted to develop more internationally oriented skills. I had spent time working abroad and spoke two languages fluently, so I wanted to focus more on areas like strategy and corporate finance” – Marion Courtney
Enrollment process and financial aid
Enrolling in a Springboard+ course is a straightforward process designed to be as accessible as possible.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step-by-step guide to enrolling in Springboard courses
- Explore courses: Visit the Springboard+ website to browse the available courses. You can filter by subject area, level, and institution to find the course that best suits your needs.
- Check eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen course. This typically includes being an EU/EEA/Swiss national or having a valid immigration status.
- Prepare your documents: Gather necessary documents such as your CV, academic transcripts, and any other relevant qualifications.
- Apply online: Complete the online application form on the Springboard+ website. Make sure to fill in all required fields and upload your documents.
- Submit application: Review your application to ensure all information is correct before submitting it.
Financial aid and funding options
Many Springboard+ courses are fully funded, meaning you won’t have to pay tuition fees. For those that do have costs, subsidies are available to reduce the financial burden.
- Fully funded courses: These are available to unemployed individuals and returners to the workforce. Check the specific course details for eligibility.
- Subsidised courses: Employed individuals can access courses at a reduced cost, typically paying 10% of the tuition fee.
Preparing for your Springboard course
Balancing work, life, and study commitments can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can succeed in your Springboard course.
- Create a schedule: Develop a study timetable that fits around your work and personal life. Stick to this schedule as closely as possible.
- Set priorities: Identify your top priorities and allocate time accordingly. Focus on high-impact activities that contribute directly to your goals.
- Online learning platforms: Familiarise yourself with any online platforms used in your course, such as Moodle or Blackboard.
- Study groups: Join or form study groups with fellow students to share knowledge and support each other.
- Academic support: Take advantage of academic support services offered by your institution, such as tutoring or writing centres.
Setting clear, achievable goals will keep you motivated and on track. Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed to stay on top of your objectives.
Your next steps to advancing your career with Recruit Ireland
With the newly gained skills from Springboard+, you’ll be able to apply for bigger and better jobs. Head over to the Recruit Ireland job board to start scouting out new positions. With thousands of jobs from all over Ireland, you’ll be fast on your way to landing your dream position.
Take a look at our Advice Centre, too. Here, you’ll find information and advice to aid you in your job search. From interviews with accomplished professionals to advice on updating your CV and acing your job interviews, Recruit Ireland is here to help.
