Deputy Lowry encourages people to check out the Springboard+ further education programme

The Springboard+ 2025 programme has been announced and offers almost 8,000 free and subsidised places on Higher Education courses across the country.

With an investment of €34.4 million from the National Training Fund, Springboard+ 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.

Springboard+ is one of the most impactful investments the Government makes in Further Education. The Courses offered 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.

"This programme empowers people to study alongside their work and personal commitments with courses that are heavily subsidised or free, making upskilling more accessible and achievable for everyone’ says Deputy Lowry, "and I encourage people to check it out."

Those who may be interested in advancing their current career, changing direction 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 according to research published 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 across the country.

Springboard+ is also making 26 ‘micro-credentials’ from this course list available for those interested in shorter courses to upskill in very specific areas.

Since 2011, over €400m has been spent on Springboard+ and over 110,000 people have benefited from the programme to date.

READ NEXT: Cloughjordan gardening expert gives advice to the green-fingered in Roscrea

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 springboardcourses.ie