Free higher education courses available to people in Kilkenny

Thousands of free and subsidised higher education places will be available to people in Kilkenny, as part of the 2023 Springboard+ and Pillar 1 of the Human Capital Initiative (HCI).

The courses are open to people who are unemployed, returners, recent graduates and those who are in employment and are looking to upskill or change career. A total of 11,213 places on 357 courses are being made available nationwide.

Spotted an otter in Kilkenny lately?

Details of the programmes were announced this week, by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD and Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins TD.

Under the Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 initiatives, 32% of all the courses nationwide will run entirely online, and 67% through blended learning – meaning people in Kilkenny will have access to hundreds of courses across the country.  

Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 courses are available across different sectors, with a particular focus on areas where there are critical skill shortages in the labour market – ultimately leading to qualifications that are in demand among employers.

This includes courses on climate, sustainability and renewable energy, as well as ICT; manufacturing and construction; engineering; financial services; medical devices; biopharma; entrepreneurship; and green skills.

Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 are government initiatives – managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science– that provide free and subsidised courses for people who are unemployed, returning to work, or those who would like to upskill or reskill in areas of skills shortages and emerging technologies.

For those in employment, the Government will fund 90% of the cost of a Springboard+ or HCI Pillar 1 course.

Helpline – 1800 303 523

Candidates who wish to participate in Springboard+ 2023 or HCI Pillar 1 courses will find full details on the approved courses on www.springboardcourses.ie. Applications will open Wednesday, 7th June. 

Experienced guidance counsellors will be available to advise potential Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 participants on their options on the freephone Springboard+ helpline: 1800 303 523. The helpline will go live mid-June.