Futureproofing’ a top priority for people in Louth considering Springboard+ programme

Two-thirds of people considering a Springboard+ course, including those in Louth, want to futureproof their careers in an ever-changing workplace. That’s according to research published by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) as it launched its 2025 programme of higher education courses for participants wishing to upskill or reskill in areas where job opportunities are growing in Ireland.

The 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.

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.”

Sean’s Brother, Liam McCaffrey, from Dundalk, spent 17 years in the Irish Defence Forces, before completing Diploma in Management Practices from Carlow IT. Liam now works as a HR Operations Manager for the Higher Education Authority.

“I left school without a Leaving Cert and spent 17 years in the Irish Defence Forces — during which I struggled with basic writing skills. Before I transitioned to civilian life, I knew I needed to upskill to become more employable. My first Springboard+ course, a Diploma in Management Practices from Carlow IT, opened up a world I never knew existed, and I fell in love with 3rd level education. It didn’t just improve my career prospects — it gave me the tools and confidence to build a better future for my family. When I started my role with the HEA, I knew things had changed for my family forever. Gone were the days of working three jobs and never being at home with my family — now I have a more fulfilling career with the time and flexibility to be with my family more often. I will be forever grateful to Springboard for providing me with an affordable way to improve the future for me and my children.

"Looking at my own growth through Springboard+ is incredible - comparing my first assignment to my final one is like night and day. Springboard+ didn’t just equip me with skills, it gave me belief in myself, and that confidence has made its way through every part of my life, from my work to my family. Most of my siblings have completed Springboard+ courses, and my 22-year-old son is considering his first course. I never would have imagined us both in 3rd level education at the same time, but it’s a testament to the quality of Springboard+ and the value of lifelong learning.”

Announcing this year’s programme, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James 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.

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.

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.”

46% of all Springboard+ are delivered entirely online, meaning people in Louth will have access to hundreds of courses across the country. Meanwhile, 51% of courses are delivered through blended learning, offering more flexibility to learners.”

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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 are made through the Springboard+ website (https://springboardcourses.ie/) and applications will open on 3rd June. All courses will commence between 1st July and 31st October 2025.

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