Minister Lawless launches Springboard+ 2025 highlighting ‘Futureproofing’ as a key motivator for potential applicants



Maura O'Shea

By Maura O'Shea

Posted: 27 May, 2025

group photo of springboard team with Minister Lawless

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD has officially launched the Springboard+ 2025 programme, announcing almost 8,000 free and subsidised places on higher education courses. The initiative 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.

 

 

Announcing this year’s programme, Minister 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.

Two thirds of people considering a Springboard+ course want to ‘futureproof their careers’ in an ever-changing workplace. That’s according to research published today 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 nationwide. Springboard+ is making 26 ‘micro-credentials’ from this course list available for those interested in shorter courses to upskill in very specific areas.

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.

“And 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.”

Sean McCaffrey, from Dundalk, spent 16 years in the Irish Defence Forces, before completing a Certificate in Procurement Management from University College Cork, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in Business from Technological University Dublin. He now works for Iarnród Éireann.

“I left school at 18 without completing my Leaving Certificate. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, so I joined the Irish Defence Forces where I spent 16 years. After leaving, I decided to pursue my first Springboard+ course — a Certificate in Procurement Management from University College Cork after which I was offered a job in Iarnród Éireann – a job I wouldn’t have been in the running for only for my Springboard+ course.

“I saw tangible benefits immediately, so it was a no-brainer to start a level nine Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in Business from Technological University Dublin, which enabled me to move up the career ladder with Iarnród Éireann, as sustainability is key to so many industries today.

“The impact of these courses has gone far beyond my professional life. They’ve boosted my confidence, opened doors I never thought possible, and improved my ability to support my young family thanks to flexible, hybrid learning. The experience has instilled in me a love of lifelong learning — something I encourage in everyone around me, including my siblings, who have all completed Springboard+ courses.

“Springboard+ gave me more than just qualifications — it provided me with new opportunities, a stronger sense of purpose, and the skills to be employable in a changing world.”

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 will open on 3rd June, for courses starting between 1st July and 31st October 2025 at https://springboardcourses.ie/

Springboard+ is part funded by the European Union European Structural and Investment Funds. 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)

 

ENDS

Notes to Editor

For full details on eligibility, visit https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility

Questions about specific courses, such as start and end dates are available from the relevant course provider.

Background to Springboard+

Springboard+, which is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, complements the core State-funded education and training system and provides free and subsidised upskilling and reskilling higher education opportunities in areas of identified skills need. Since 2011, over €400m has been spent on Springboard+ and over 110,000 people have benefited from the programme to date.

Springboard+ courses are at Level 6 (Certificate) to Level 9 (Masters) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and are delivered by public and private higher education providers around the country.

All courses approved for funding under Springboard+ are selected following a competitive tendering process. In particular, courses with a proven track record in getting people back into employment are recommended for funding.

Applicants currently in employment qualify for a 90% subsidy on fees. Applicants currently unemployed or seeking to return to the workforce after a career break to care for loved ones, qualify for a free place on a higher education course.

All courses approved under Springboard+ 2025 will start between 1st July and 31st October 2025.

European Funding

The EU provides funding for a broad range of projects and programmes covering various areas, from education, research, employment, regional development to the environment, humanitarian aid, agriculture, and the marine, among many others. Significant support is available to small and medium-sized businesses, non-governmental and civil society non-profit organisations, young people, researchers, farmers, and public bodies, to name a few.

European Structural & Investment Funds

The European Structural & Investment Funds support economic development across all of the European Union. These Funds make up over half of the European Union’s budget. The Funds work together to invest in education, research, and job creation to help create a sustainable and healthy economy across the whole of the country. They are also spent on protecting our environment, and on supporting rural and coastal communities. Springboard+ is part funded by the European Union European Structural and Investment Funds.

 

More: Dr Vivienne Patterson, Engagement and Statistics, HEA, Head of Skills, Higher Education, Innovation and Science, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Minister Lawless, Research, Springboard+