Free higher education courses available to Dublin people

Thousands of free and subsidised higher education places will be available to people in Dublin, as part of the 2023 Springboard+ and Pillar 1 of the Human Capital Initiative (HCI).

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 11,213 places on 357 courses are being made available nationwide.

Details of the programmes were announced this week, by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD and Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins TD.

While a total of 4920 places across 127 courses have been allocated to the 20 providers including Technological University Dublin, (TUD), Innopharma College of Applied Sciences, Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art Design & Technology and IOB under both initiatives, 32% of all the courses nationwide will run entirely online, and 67% through blended learning – meaning people in Dublin will have access to hundreds of courses across the country.

The courses on offer in Dublin this year include a Professional Certificate in Responsible and Sustainable Finance, Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Artificial Intelligence, Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Entrepreneurship, Post-Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Food Business Operations and Environmental Sustainability Implementation

Pictured at the Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 launch is Springboard+ participant Phillip Mulvaney. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 courses are available across different sectors, with a particular focus on areas where there are critical skill shortages in the labour market – ultimately leading to qualifications that are in demand among employers.

This includes courses on climate, sustainability and renewable energy, as well as ICT; manufacturing and construction; engineering; financial services; medical devices; biopharma; entrepreneurship; and green skills.

Commenting today, Dr Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics at the Higher Education Authority, said: “In this, the European Year of Skills, we are delighted to offer courses that put reskilling and upskilling centre-stage. Springboard+ has garnered huge success over the past 12 years, and we are delighted to announce the latest cohort of courses available.

“Now in its fourth year, the HCI Pillar 1 initiative also continues to offer graduate conversion courses to people across the country who may be looking to upskill for future job prosperity in vital areas such as sustainability, ICT, data analytics and technology. For the first time, part-time courses are also being offered under the initiative this year.

“Against the backdrop of rapidly advancing technologies, and in the context of the climate, energy and cost-of-living crises, people are looking to reskill or upskill to build or futureproof their careers.

“These programmes are an excellent opportunity for anyone who may be hoping to return to the workforce after taking some time out; for people who may be hoping to retrain in a new area; or anyone who is unemployed and wants to re-enter the workforce.

“With the blended and online learning options, there are hundreds of options available to the people of Dublin, 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.”

Launching the programme, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD said, “Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 will play a vital role in our response to the green transition by providing funding for programmes in areas such as Climate, Sustainability and Renewable Energy which will provide the skills needed to help us reach our ambitious 2030 targets for energy efficiency and decarbonisation.

“The initiatives will also help us to ensure that our workforce is equipped to respond to the rapid changes in the world of work brought about by digitisation, with courses spanning areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Financial Technologies.

“In this, the European Year of Skills, it is vital that we all consider the opportunity to learn a new skill. Skills and continuous learning are vital for enabling individuals and countries to thrive in an increasingly, interconnected and rapidly changing world.”

Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 are government initiatives – managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science– that provide free and subsidised courses for people who are unemployed, returning to work, or those who would like to upskill or reskill in areas of skills shortages and emerging technologies.

For those in employment, the Government will fund 90% of the cost of a Springboard+ or HCI Pillar 1 course.

Helpline – 1800 303 523

Candidates who wish to participate in Springboard+ 2023 or HCI Pillar 1 courses will find full details on the approved courses on www.springboardcourses.ie.

Applications are open tomorrow, Wednesday, 7th June.

Experienced guidance counsellors will be available to advise potential Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 participants on their options on the freephone Springboard+ helpline: 1800 303 523. The helpline will go live in mid-June.