Emer Currie
Ceist:744. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the focus of Springboard in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53517/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 October 2025
Ceisteanna (744)
Freagraí scríofa
Springboard+, established in 2011, continues to play a vital role in expanding access to higher education by offering flexible, work-focused learning opportunities to adult learners across the country. It continues to play a role in increasing the rate of engagement in lifelong learning, reskilling those whose occupation may be at risk from technological advancement and the development of the workforce.
Aligned with national skills priorities, Springboard+ supports individuals to upskill or reskill in high-demand areas such as ICT, construction, cybersecurity, and green skills. The programme is free or heavily subsidised and offered in flexible formats including part-time, blended, and online, making higher education more accessible to all.
A consultation process with stakeholders took place in advance of the Springboard+ 2025 call. As the programme had been in a multiannual funding cycle there had not been a call since 2022 so it was timely to review the types of programmes being funded to ensure that Springboard+ remains responsive to the needs of industry and people across the economy who wish to upskill or reskill. This consultation revealed that courses across a broader mix of skills areas would be required to meet the needs of industry both regionally and nationally.
New skills areas were prioritised where current and future skills needs have been identified.
Courses in renewable offshore wind energy have been funded under this call as this was identified as a critical skill area. Other courses available are in areas such as Infrastructure Planning; Sustainable Building; Digital Skills, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence.
Micro-credential courses were included for the first time in the 2025 call, with 26 courses funded. This gives people an opportunity to gain new skills in a shorter timeframe, usually around 12 weeks. The ‘stackability’ component of these courses makes them attractive to learners who may wish to build towards further qualifications.
As demand grows for a skilled and adaptable workforce, Springboard+ will continue to be an important driver of increased participation in higher education.