South East Technological University (SETU) has secured over €3.6m in funding for over 700 places on courses to upskill and reskill adult learners under the Government’s Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) programmes for 2023/24.
Springboard+ and HCI offer free or 90% funded courses in areas of high skills needs including business, computing, engineering, science and hospitality and range from level 6 to postgraduate level.
Courses are typically up to one year and are open to employees, self-employed and previously self-employed people, jobseekers, and people returning to the workforce.
SETU President, Prof. Veronica Campbell warmly welcomed the announcement, saying, “Working with industry to meet the current and future skills needs of the south east economy is fundamental to the mission of our new university. This level of support for individuals and enterprise across the south east is a key factor in ensuring our region remains competitive, attracts inward investment and plays a critical role in upskilling and re-skilling our workforce for the future.”
SETU will deliver 27 specialist programmes in areas of high skills need including construction, computing, digital skills, hospitality, supply chain and regulatory affairs to name but a few of the courses on offer.
Springboard+ courses will be delivered by SETU at its campuses in Waterford, Carlow, Wexford and Wicklow, as well as some fully online and many blended options. A full listing with location information and online application is available at www.setu.ie/springboard
According to SETU Lifelong Learning Manager, Eoin O’Brien the programme has been designed in response to the current and future needs of industry and presents a unique opportunity for learners to avail of free or heavily subsidised upskilling or reskilling.
“Workforce practices are changing significantly due to technological advances. Our Springboard and HCI funded courses are purposely designed to develop the skills and competencies of participants to ensure they have the skills required for the future needs of the regional, national and international economy. Springboard+ reduces the financial barriers to accessing higher education and allows participants and employers access to flexible and industry specific courses,” says Mr O’Brien.
Neil Quinlan, SETU Head of Department of Lifelong Learning, says there is great interest in Springboard courses this year. “Springboard+ courses are designed to allow people to re-boot their career through significant upskilling within one year or less or two years in the case of some ICT courses,” he adds, “Courses are fully funded for the unemployed, previously self-employed and people returning to the workplace. For employed people level 6 Springboard courses are free and Level 7 to 9 Springboard courses are 90% funded.”
SETU will run an online Springboard and part-time open evening on 15 August from 7-8.30pm where a panel of experts will discuss the options available. See www.setu.ie/parttime for more details.
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
