By Niamh Dwyer, Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors

The Higher Education Authority has recently announced the range of Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative Pillar 1 courses on offer for 2022-2023 to those who are in employment, unemployed, returning to work or graduates meeting the eligibility criteria.

For anyone who is seeking to develop in or change career, these courses offer a fantastic opportunity to add to or learn a new set of skills, which are in demand in the workplace.

They are provided by Higher Education Institutions (HEI) nationwide with a variety of classroom based, remote or blended delivery.

Springboard+ is a Government initiative offering free and heavily subsidised courses on over 300 courses at certificate, degree, and masters level leading to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy.

These areas include ICT, engineering, green skills, manufacturing and construction, among many others. The majority of courses are flexible and part-time. The Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 offers 89 free and discounted full-time courses in areas such as ICT and Data Analytics, Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction. A number of courses are also available that address green skills and climate change. Courses are at graduate and postgraduate diploma level.

To be considered eligible for a place on a Springboard+ course, applicants need to be living full-time in the Republic of Ireland, have their own valid PPS Number and meet the nationality/visa requirement.

Applications are now open with some deadlines in June and start dates in early July. The flexible nature of these programmes as well as their exceptional value for money mean that they will be in demand.

For further details on all courses including entry requirements and on how to apply, log onto www.springboard.ie.

Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, and Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors. She is also a Career Consultant - For details see www.mycareerplan.ie or follow @mycareerplan on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.