The Irish Government is dedicated to enhancing the higher education system by providing funding through Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI). The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is the agency overseeing these initiatives on behalf of my Department. These initiatives are designed to address critical skill shortages in the economy and aim to bridge skill gaps by offering targeted educational programs in collaboration with industry partners.
Springboard+ 2024 launched in May 2024 is providing 8,225 places on 248 courses. Springboard+ 2024 is the final year of a 3-year multi annual funding cycle. Courses funded under Springboard+ 2022 were renewed for funding in 2023 and 2024 subject to satisfactory fill rates. No new skills areas were included in 2024. The eligible skills areas under the 2022 call are set out at the link below. Subject to approval in Budget 2025, it is planned that there will be a call for proposals for Springboard+ 2025, which will review the skills areas to be included.
Under Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1, Graduate Conversion Programmes 2024, 3,350 places are being provided on 106 courses. HCI Pillar 1 2024 is in its second year of a 2-year multi-annual funding cycle. The broad eligible skills areas were defined in 2023 and are set out at the link below.
Participants enrolled in Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 courses are typically not eligible for SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) grants.
For Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 participants in employment pay a contribution of 10% of the course fee, directly to the course provider. Unemployed participants, in receipt of eligible Department of Social Protection (DSP) payments, are not liable for any fees with the course fee subsidised entirely by the state. The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) may be available for eligible participants, offering further financial support while studying. This cohort are advised to consult with their DSP personal employment advisor to establish which payment they are entitled to while participating on a Springboard+ course. Detailed information on courses, eligibility, and application procedures can be found on the Springboard+ website at www.springboardcourses.ie.
HCI Pillar 3 Learner Fee Subsidy was introduced in 2024 to subsidise fees for 14,279 learners across 685 micro-credential courses. Learners can avail of a range of short micro credential courses in high skills needs areas. Courses are all accredited and can award between 1 and 30 ECTs. The learner fees are subsidised at 50%, however courses in identified priority areas, such as those relating to renewable energy, sustainability, construction and planning, artificial intelligence, cyber security ICT and electronic engineering are subsidised at 80%. The fees vary depending on the number of credits and the course discipline. The broad eligible skills areas are set out at the link below. For detailed information on approved micro-credential courses and application procedures, please see:hea.ie/skills-engagement/hci-pillar-3-micro-credentials-learner-fee-subsidy/
Overall, the funding provided under Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative provides vital support for upskilling and reskilling in key areas of skill shortage. While no new skill areas were introduced for Springboard+ 2024 or HCI Pillar 1, the Micro-Credential Learner Fee Subsidy courses includes high-demand areas such as renewable energy, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Pending approval in Budget 2025, future courses may address additional skill needs.
Springboard + HCI PI 2024 and Learner Subsidy Fee Number of places
|
-
|
Courses
|
Places
|
|
Springboard+
|
248
|
8,225
|
|
HCI Pillar 1
|
106
|
3305
|
|
Learner Subsidy Fee Micro-Credentials
|
685
|
14279
|
HCI Pillar 1 2023
Springboard 2022 Eligible Discipline Areas
