Thousands of free and subsidised higher education places available to Mayo people
Thousands of free and subsidised higher education places will be available to people in Mayo under Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 graduate conversion programmes for the academic year 2024/25.
The courses are open to people who are unemployed, returners, recent graduates and those who are in employment and are looking to upskill or change career.
A total of 11,400 places on 355 courses are being made available nationwide.
Details of the array of opportunities for upskilling and reskilling have been unveiled this week by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan, and the Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins.
Under the Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 initiatives, which are managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, 37% of all the courses nationwide will run entirely online and 61% through blended learning. This means people in Mayo will have access to hundreds of courses across the country.
Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 courses are available across different sectors, with a particular focus on areas of critical skill shortages and emerging technological demand. The offering includes courses in the following: cybersecurity; virtual reality; health innovation; logistics; climate, sustainability, and energy; and many more.
Dr. Vivienne Patterson, head of skills, engagement and statistics at the Higher Education Authority, said: “Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 offer a wide range of courses, delivered in a blended or online format, to meet the needs of individuals trying to balance work or family commitments but are also interested in a gaining a qualification to achieve career development goals, those looking for a new career, and those looking to return to the workforce or to keep their skills up to date in a transforming industry.
“With the blended and online learning options, there are hundreds of options available to the people of Mayo, which is vital in ensuring people in every corner of the country – whether they are in employment or returning to the workforce – can easily access courses. The subsidised nature of the two initiatives also ensures accessibility for a diverse group of learners, contributing to a more resilient and adaptable workforce.”
Launching the programme, Minister O’Donovan said: “There are now more than 350 free or subsidised courses offering people incredible opportunities to upskill or reskill in areas where businesses are crying out for workers.
“The courses are designed to empower individuals and allow them to thrive in the evolving job market. They offer not just an exciting and valuable education but also pathways to sustainable employment.”
Minister Collins added: “This announcement helps us ensure that our workforce is ready to respond to the changes happening in the world of work, and also provide the country with the skills to deliver in key areas such as climate, sustainability and renewable energy.
“It’s vitally important that the programmes are accessible to everyone, and that’s why most of them are delivered either fully online or in a blended format.
“While the Year of Skills has just ended, it offered us a valuable reminder of the importance of lifelong learning and why we must remain committed to delivering the skills needed to meet the needs of a rapidly-evolving economy.”
With applications now open, applicants will find full details on the approved courses on the dedicated information and applications website – www.springboardcourses.ie.
Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 represent vital funding investments in Ireland’s human capital, reinforcing the country’s commitment to education, innovation and economic growth.