Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
450. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the target number for the Springboard+ course in 2021-2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32963/21]
View answerSpringboard+ 2021 was launched on 14th June 2021, providing 10,158 places on 294 courses. As a result of multi-annual funding of graduate conversion courses, this leads to a combined total of 13,128 places in 399 courses available in the 2021/22 academic year under Springboard+ 2021 and HCI Pillar 1.
Springboard+ 2021 courses are at Level 6 (Certificate) to Level 9 (Masters) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and are delivered by public and private higher education providers around the country. All courses provide job-readiness training and most offer the opportunity for work placement, project-based learning or industry site visits where appropriate. All courses approved for funding under Springboard+ 2021 were selected by an independent panel with experts from industry and education following a competitive tendering process. In particular, courses in areas of new and emerging technologies and areas which have come to the fore as result of Covid-19 were recommended for funding.
The majority of courses approved under Springboard+ 2021 and HCI Pillar 1 will start later in 2021 and in early 2022. Full details on Springboard+ and HCI courses, the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the website: www.springboardcourses.ie.
