The primary objective is to provide upskilling and reskilling courses to develop the talent base in Ireland in key growth sectors of the economy. Further information is available at: https://springboardcourses.ie/

Springboard+, which is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills, began in 2011 as part of the Government’s Jobs Initiative. It complements the core State-funded education and training system and provides free and heavily subsidised upskilling and reskilling higher education opportunities in areas of identified skills need. The initiative’s primary target group when it was established was unemployed people with a previous history of employment. Over recent years with the decline in numbers on the live register the focus was changed to include more people in employment and those returning to the workforce.

ICT skills Conversion Courses were introduced in 2012 as a means to address concerns by industry and the enterprise development agencies about continuing difficulties in sourcing ICT graduates with requisite skills.

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. Courses are not all a full award at each level – they may also be minor awards or special purposes awards. All courses provide job-readiness training and most offer the opportunity for work placement, project-based learning or industry site visits where appropriate.

All courses approved for funding under Springboard+ are selected by an independent panel with experts from industry and education following a competitive tendering process.  In particular, courses with a proven track record in getting people back into employment are recommended for funding.

 

Indicative* timetable 2022

 

Call for Proposals issues                                Thursday 16^th December 2021

 

Deadline for submission of proposals             Wednesday 16th February 2022, 13.00 hrs

 

Providers notified of approved courses          Early Q2 2022

 

Contracts agreed with HEA, Providers

upload information for applicants to

www.springboardcourses.ie                           Early Q2 2022

 

Applications for Springboard+ 2022

open via www.springboardcourses.ie            Early Q2 2022

 

*The HEA will endeavour to adhere to these indicative dates. However, it may prove necessary to amend them as the initiative rolls out. Any changes in the timetable will be notified to prospective course Providers.