Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 July 2023
227. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a series of queries related to funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32960/23]
View answerAcross the Higher Education System, funding has been provided under Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative for programmes which provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities in areas of identified skills need. On 7th June 2023, a combined total of 11,213 places on 357 courses were launched under Springboard+ 2023 and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1, provided by public and private higher education providers around the country for the academic year 2023/24.
Regarding the academic year 2022/23, there were a combined total of 13,928 places in 392 courses that were launched under Springboard+ 2022 and HCI Pillar 1. Please find attached the list of courses available under these initiatives and their providers, for both 2023/24 and 2022/23, presented in tabular form.
Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 offers free or 90% funded higher education places to jobseekers in need of upskilling or reskilling to allow them to re-enter the labour market, and returners and those in employment who wish to upskill or reskill to meet specific emerging skills needs. Most programmes are delivered either fully online or in a blended format, making them fully accessible. All courses are informed by engagement with enterprise and provide job-readiness training, with most courses offering the opportunity for work placement, project-based learning or industry site visits, where appropriate.
Full details on Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) courses, the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the website: www.springboardcourses.ie.
