Thinking about upskilling or reskilling? Springboard launches 2026 programme 

Whether it is to support career progression, explore a new direction, or return to the workforce, there is a growing recognition across Ireland of the importance of investing in skills - especially as the rise of AI and global geopolitical uncertainties impact everyone.

That is certainly reflected here in Cork, where there is strong demand for opportunities to upskill and reskill as people look to take the next step in their careers.

For many, learning can take a back seat. Work commitments, family responsibilities, and the pace of everyday life mean that taking time out to focus on personal and professional development is often postponed. Yet, in a rapidly evolving world of work, that investment in skills has never been more valuable.

Springboard+ ( springboardcourses.ie), which has now launched its 2026 programme, is designed to make that step more accessible.

It offers free and heavily subsidised higher education courses in areas where there is clear demand across the Irish economy.

The 2026 programme will provide more than 7,200 places across 244 courses, delivered by 36 higher education providers nationwide. Since its establishment in 2011, more than 122,000 people have benefited from the programme, which has evolved to meet changing workforce needs, including in Cork, where there is a strong range of courses available locally.

Today, Springboard+ is about supporting people at all stages of their career. The programme is open not only to those who are unemployed or returning to the workforce, but also to those already in employment who are looking to upskill, reskill or take on new challenges. That broad accessibility is one of its defining strengths.

A key feature of Springboard+ is its flexibility. Many courses are delivered on a part-time, online or blended basis, allowing participants to balance learning with work and other commitments. This is particularly important for people who may not have considered returning to education in the past.

In practical terms, the programme also removes financial barriers. Springboard+ is funded through the National Training Fund, supported by employer contributions, and co-funded by the European Union. This means courses are free for unemployed participants and returners to the workforce, while those in employment typically pay just 10% of the course fee. Micro-credentials are also subsidised at 50%, ensuring a wide range of learners can access opportunities regardless of their circumstances.

What distinguishes Springboard+ is the way courses are developed. Higher education providers work closely with industry to ensure programmes are aligned with real-world needs. This means learners are not only gaining qualifications but developing skills that are directly relevant to the workplace.

As a result, courses are focused on areas where there are clear skills needs, including digital technologies, artificial intelligence, sustainability, healthcare innovation, advanced manufacturing and business leadership. There is also a strong emphasis on emerging areas such as offshore wind energy, circular economy initiatives and climate-related enterprise.

That relevance is reflected at a regional level. In Cork, for example, over 700 Springboard+ places are available across a wide range of disciplines, delivered through institutions such as MTU and UCC among others. These local opportunities are complemented by the flexibility of online and blended learning, which means learners in Cork can also access courses delivered by providers nationwide.

This combination of local provision and national access is an important aspect of the programme. It ensures that people can find opportunities that suit their needs, whether that is a course delivered close to home or one that is accessed remotely.

At an individual level, the impact of Springboard+ can be significant. Many participants use the programme to build confidence, gain new qualifications and open up new career opportunities. For some, it marks a progression within their existing role. For others, it provides a pathway into a completely new sector.

One such example is Aideen Brennan, who undertook a Springboard+ course in Human Resource Management through Technological University of the Shannon after a significant life and career transition. After recovering from cancer treatment and being made redundant, she used the programme to gain new skills and rebuild her confidence.

As she has described, the flexible format of the course allowed her to study in a way that suited her circumstances, while supporting her move into a new role. Her experience reflects the broader impact of Springboard+, which is not just about acquiring qualifications, but about enabling people to take meaningful steps forward in their lives.

That idea of taking time to invest in personal and professional development is central to the 2026 programme. It recognises that many people have put their own learning on hold and encourages them to consider what that next step might look like.

For those considering applying, the process is straightforward. Courses are available via springboardcourses.ie, where prospective learners can explore a range of options. As deadlines vary by course, it is important to review details carefully and apply in good time. All courses commence by the end of October.

Springboard+ has consistently demonstrated the value of accessible, flexible and industry-aligned education. As it continues to evolve, its focus remains the same: to support people in developing the skills they need to thrive, while contributing to the broader needs of the economy.

For people across Cork, there has never been a better time to consider taking that next step - that can often be the most challenging part. But with the right support and opportunities in place, it can also be the most rewarding.