Residents of Limerick now have the opportunity to access free and subsidised higher education courses, thanks to the Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 initiatives. The announcement was made by Simon Harris TD, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and it’s great news for those looking to upskill or change careers.
These courses cover a wide range of subjects, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and financial technologies. They’re designed to provide qualifications that are in demand among employers, ensuring that the workforce is equipped to respond to the rapid changes in the world of work brought about by digitisation.
But it’s not just about meeting the needs of employers. These education initiatives will play a crucial role in Ireland’s response to the green transition. Courses covering areas such as climate, sustainability, and renewable energy are available, as well as manufacturing and construction, engineering, financial services, biopharma, entrepreneurship, and green skills. These courses will provide the skills needed to help Ireland reach its ambitious 2030 targets for energy efficiency and decarbonisation.
The courses are available for anyone who is unemployed, a recent graduate, looking to return to education, or employed and looking to upskill or change careers. The initiatives will help ensure that everyone has the chance to gain the skills they need to succeed in the rapidly changing world of work.
Dr Vivienne Patterson, the Head of Skills, Engagement, and Statistics at the Higher Education Authority, expressed her delight at the courses, which put reskilling and upskilling center-stage. The courses are available for people who are looking to upskill or change careers, with a particular focus on areas where there are critical skill shortages in the labour market.
The HCI Pillar 1 initiative is now in its fourth year, offering graduate conversion courses to people across the country who may be looking to upskill for future job prosperity. A total of 904 places across 34 courses have been allocated to the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Midlands Midwest and University of Limerick. This initiative has been hugely successful in previous years, and it’s great to see it continuing to provide opportunities for people across Ireland.
The courses are delivered through various modes of learning, with 32% of all courses nationwide running entirely online and 67% through blended learning. With the blended and online learning options, hundreds of options are available to the people of Limerick. So regardless of your circumstances, there’s a course that’s right for you.
The programmes on offer in Limerick include a variety of exciting courses. These include a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Process and Engineering Management, Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership for Communication and Digital Transformation, Professional Diploma in Climate Adaption and Sustainability, and a Graduate Diploma in Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence. These courses are available for recent graduates and people who are unemployed.
The education initiatives will help create a more skilled workforce, ensuring that people have the skills they need to succeed in the rapidly changing world of work. These courses will equip people with the skills they need to contribute to the green transition, helping Ireland reach its ambitious energy efficiency and decarbonisation targets.
In conclusion, the Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 initiatives are an excellent opportunity for people in Limerick to gain access to free and subsidised higher education courses. The programmes cover a wide range of subjects and are available to a broad range of people, from unemployed individuals to recent graduates. These courses will provide the skills needed to succeed in the rapidly changing world of work, equipping people with the skills they need to contribute to the green transition and help Ireland reach its ambitious energy efficiency and decarbonisation targets. So don’t hesitate to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.
