FabSwingers.com forum: Springboard+ subsidised courses

By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

Normally my friend RosyRedLips posts about this initiative. After reading her threads, I (Nic) applied last year and have completed year 1 of a 2-year online post-grad course. It's one of the best decisions I have made as it has sent my career in a whole new exciting direction.

I'm ever so grateful to Rosy for highlighting this wonderful initiative and i'd like to pay it forward by bringing it to the attention of others. I'm taking the lazy approach and copying/pasting the details direct from their site so here goes ...

Springboard+ is a Government initiative offering free and heavily subsidised courses at certificate, degree and masters level leading to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy. These areas include ICT, engineering, green skills, manufacturing and construction, among many others.

There are over 252 courses available for 2023-24, the majority of which are flexible and part-time.

Website: https://springboardcourses.ie/

Let us know below if you apply or have benefitted from this in the past

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By *electableicecreamMan
over a year ago

The West

Yep springboard is awesome.

Currently in the middle of course that is going to be a huge benefit to me professionally.

Couldn't recommend it enough

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

"Yep springboard is awesome.

Currently in the middle of course that is going to be a huge benefit to me professionally.

Couldn't recommend it enough"

Well done

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By *rish_GuyMan
over a year ago

Foxford

"Yep springboard is awesome.

Currently in the middle of course that is going to be a huge benefit to me professionally.

Couldn't recommend it enough

Well done

Well done to both of ye.

I'm not doing any course, highly unlikely I'll ever do another course, be it online part time or full time. The last college type course I did, it took 4 year's to finish. It was only a 2 year course. I heard that springboard is good alright. Anything I'm interested trying to get qualified in, there's no course for it, just am exams & no employer will take a person on to help train them, before they do the exam.

(I'm not saying this, so people will have pity for me, nor am pitching about it, either. That's life for me & other's aswell.)

So once again good for ye. Ye can do it.

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By *exesrangerMan
over a year ago

North Cork

You're not surely suggesting that the governments past/present have actually done something worth while are you. That can't be right

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By *astelloWoman
over a year ago

Far far away

There are many educational initiatives out there. Springboard, HCI including many part time, online and blended courses at ETBs nationwide.(check-out fetch.ie . These are often free or heavily subsidised.

Huge advocate of life long learning. Anyone needs advice please dm.

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By *osyRedLipsWoman
over a year ago

Kildare

Congratulations my dear all that hard work will pay off. It's never top late to return I personally went back to finish a degree I started in 1993 and was so happy to achieve a distinction. There's a great range of courses and mine was fully funded as I had lost my job during Pandemic. If you are employed you can still apply and pay contribution towards fees I think it's normally 10% of course fees. If you're unsure about which course to pick email college directly for more information.

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By *rinibooWoman
over a year ago

clare

I did a course thru my local etb during Covid but haven’t got a job from it . Because we got no work experience

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

What a brilliantly 'positive vibes' thread. Nice on all!

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By *heLateLateShowMan
over a year ago

Swordz

I did a course at the start of 2021 for about €250 while still sort of employed but i was just a filler course I was doing to kill a little time waiting for the the real music corse I wanted which was postponed due to covid. Without penalties they wouldn't let me do another course until the 1st course finished and it wouldn't officially finish without a graduation ceremony which never happened until about April 2022(I didn't go because it seemed like a money grab)

It turned into a real bureaucratic nightmare and I never did the music course and went straight back to another boring office job. Cest la vie.

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By *ant111Man
over a year ago

Dublin 6

Is it accredited towards employment opportunities in the Portlaoise area ?

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By *ublustMan
over a year ago

Dublin

Springboard is a brilliant initiative, had a shortlist of courses after getting notice of redundancy a few years back but ended up having a job lined up before I finished.

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By *osyRedLipsWoman
over a year ago

Kildare

Is it accredited towards employment opportunities in the Portlaoise area ? "

I'm not quite sure what you mean. I suggest you check out the website for more details. There's a selection of colleges all over Ireland. Some are full or part-time and some you attend college. Me personally I only needed to attend college once for graduation it was all online.

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By *ant111Man
over a year ago

Dublin 6

Apologies Rosies. Im back in the old days when it was up close and personal in the lecture theatre at trinity

Times move on.

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

"Yep springboard is awesome.

Currently in the middle of course that is going to be a huge benefit to me professionally.

Couldn't recommend it enough

Well done

Well done to both of ye.

(I'm not saying this, so people will have pity for me, nor am pitching about it, either. That's life for me & other's aswell.)

So once again good for ye. Ye can do it.

Thank you

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

"You're not surely suggesting that the governments past/present have actually done something worth while are you. That can't be right"

Yawn Tex yawn

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

"There are many educational initiatives out there. Springboard, HCI including many part time, online and blended courses at ETBs nationwide.(check-out fetch.ie . These are often free or heavily subsidised.

Huge advocate of life long learning. Anyone needs advice please dm. "

Thanks a mill

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

"Congratulations my dear all that hard work will pay off. It's never top late to return I personally went back to finish a degree I started in 1993 and was so happy to achieve a distinction. There's a great range of courses and mine was fully funded as I had lost my job during Pandemic. If you are employed you can still apply and pay contribution towards fees I think it's normally 10% of course fees. If you're unsure about which course to pick email college directly for more information. "

Thanks Rosy! Only for you, I'd still be scratching my head about my career. Now I have a clear pathway and am delighted with myself.

Congrats on completing your degree, I know how difficult returning to College is after all these years.

Best of luck to you

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

"I did a course thru my local etb during Covid but haven’t got a job from it . Because we got no work experience "

Work experience is so important. Could you contact them now for assistance with this?

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

"What a brilliantly 'positive vibes' thread. Nice on all!"

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

"I did a course at the start of 2021 for about €250 while still sort of employed but i was just a filler course I was doing to kill a little time waiting for the the real music corse I wanted which was postponed due to covid. Without penalties they wouldn't let me do another course until the 1st course finished and it wouldn't officially finish without a graduation ceremony which never happened until about April 2022(I didn't go because it seemed like a money grab)

It turned into a real bureaucratic nightmare and I never did the music course and went straight back to another boring office job. Cest la vie.

That's a pain. Would you consider doing it now?

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

Is it accredited towards employment opportunities in the Portlaoise area ? "

It qualifies you for Worldwide opportunities. The Irish Ed system is one of the best in the World.

You'd need to do your own research on opportunities in the Portlaoise area though.

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By *og-ManMan
over a year ago

somewhere

Is it accredited towards employment opportunities in the Portlaoise area ?

It qualifies you for Worldwide opportunities. The Irish Ed system is one of the best in the World.

You'd need to do your own research on opportunities in the Portlaoise area though."

Think he was talking about the work coming up with Rosies bi male interviews taking place online at the moment

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By *ugs BunnyCouple
over a year ago

south Dublin

I just finished one recently! Gonna sign up for another one, hopefully starting in sept. Brilliant scheme

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

"I just finished one recently! Gonna sign up for another one, hopefully starting in sept. Brilliant scheme

Congrats Mrs Bugs

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hi folks. While we're all talking of courses would anybody be willing to give me a yes no answer to this question- is 43 too old to change career course from mechanical/engineering to something completely new but seems like a very interesting path? Sorry not trying to hijack anything just seeking opinions. Thanks

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By *ildarekinkstersCouple
over a year ago

kinkytown

Finished a course in hrm only recently with them. Found it interesting though were the usual filler modules lumped in that I'm already certified in but still beneficial to progressing career. Already considering what next step is with the courses

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By *og-ManMan
over a year ago

somewhere

"Hi folks. While we're all talking of courses would anybody be willing to give me a yes no answer to this question- is 43 too old to change career course from mechanical/engineering to something completely new but seems like a very interesting path? Sorry not trying to hijack anything just seeking opinions. Thanks"

Absolutely not....you probably have another 25 yrs before old age pension which is probably longer than you've worked so far

Try to be satisfied and happy in whatever job you do no matter what age you are

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By *3nsesMan
over a year ago

Dublin

The area you are trying to move into will make a massive difference on whether the answer would lean towards a yes or a no. If its an area where the qualification requirements are low or easily attendance then it's more likely a yes.

It's a huge decision that requires weighing up a lot of factors.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Absolutely not....you probably have another 25 yrs before old age pension which is probably longer than you've worked so far

Try to be satisfied and happy in whatever job you do no matter what age you are "

Thanks very much. Great to get an independent opinion

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By *electableicecreamMan
over a year ago

The West

If it's any help I am on my third career at 42 after starting as self employed at 19.

Life experience counts for a lot when your making a move too.

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By *rish_GuyMan
over a year ago

Foxford

Your age shouldn't have anything to do with it. That said, there's no guarantee with it either. It mightn't be easy at the start. Your happiness should nearly always come first or very near it anyway's. If your not happy, it could show up in work or your metal health. Anyway's, don't let it stop you either. I'm 44 & more than likely I'll be changing job's/career within the next 12 month's. Even at that I could be changing again in the future.

Whatever you decide good luck with it & enjoy it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If it's any help I am on my third career at 42 after starting as self employed at 19.

Life experience counts for a lot when your making a move too."

It does help thanks. The more opinions the easier the decision

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By *heLateLateShowMan
over a year ago

Swordz

Yeah if there's something listed that you really want to do why not, just be aware that springboard is pretty beurocratic and inflexible and so was the national college of Ireland. Ahh the covid times.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Thanks I'll give it a go so

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By *ugs BunnyCouple
over a year ago

south Dublin

"I just finished one recently! Gonna sign up for another one, hopefully starting in sept. Brilliant scheme

Congrats Mrs Bugs

Thanks N xx hope youre keeping well, its been way too long!

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By *ugs BunnyCouple
over a year ago

south Dublin

Jeez i hope not, im 46 and still tryna work out what i want to do when i grow up

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

"I just finished one recently! Gonna sign up for another one, hopefully starting in sept. Brilliant scheme

Congrats Mrs Bugs

Thanks N xx hope youre keeping well, its been way too long! "

All good, we must try to meet up soon

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By *ute and Cuddly pairCouple
over a year ago

Naas

To answer the question, I changed career 4 times so far, last time at 43, just finished a 2 year PT course with springboard for my current job. Fantastic initiative for everybody. Never too late to change career, if you are happy at work, it doesn't seem like work.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"To answer the question, I changed career 4 times so far, last time at 43, just finished a 2 year PT course with springboard for my current job. Fantastic initiative for everybody. Never too late to change career, if you are happy at work, it doesn't seem like work."

Thanks. 4 times wow. Maybe I'm overthinking it. Great to have options

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By *astelloWoman
over a year ago

Far far away

People change careers for a variety of reasons. There is no reason you cant pivot or retrain. I think challenges for people in a complete new area in mid 40s is salary drop. But as stated earlier you still have another 20 years of working life left.

There are many career questionnaires online for those looking for a change and you may get inspired..

After working for 25 years I finally found the right fit and that's only been in the last 5 years so definitely worth exploring new avenues e.g p/t, online or short courses even volunteering in a area you're interested in. Who knows where it could lead you.

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By *panishRebelMan
over a year ago

Alicante Spain, and Cork City Ireland

"Normally my friend RosyRedLips posts about this initiative. After reading her threads, I (Nic) applied last year and have completed year 1 of a 2-year online post-grad course. It's one of the best decisions I have made as it has sent my career in a whole new exciting direction.

There are over 252 courses available for 2023-24, the majority of which are flexible and part-time.

Website: https://springboardcourses.ie/

Let us know below if you apply or have benefitted from this in the past

That's a great initiative. I never had that help, but having changed carrier 10 years ago to something more suitable I don't regret it.

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By *osyRedLipsWoman
over a year ago

Kildare

It was one of the great things about the Pandemic they started to offer more blended and online courses. Because they were such a success they've continued on offering a lot online. I always wanted to return to AIT to complete my degree but as a single Mammy it wasn't feasible to get childcare 3 evenings a week. So being able to have classes over Zoom was so good. Still built up close bond with my classmates even though we didn't meet until our graduation. The support from them got me through when I was doubting myself. It's not easy but it's certainly worth it.

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By *panishRebelMan
over a year ago

Alicante Spain, and Cork City Ireland

"It was one of the great things about the Pandemic they started to offer more blended and online courses. Because they were such a success they've continued on offering a lot online. I always wanted to return to AIT to complete my degree but as a single Mammy it wasn't feasible to get childcare 3 evenings a week. So being able to have classes over Zoom was so good. Still built up close bond with my classmates even though we didn't meet until our graduation. The support from them got me through when I was doubting myself. It's not easy but it's certainly worth it. "

I loved reading that. It's an I'll wind that blows no good. Pandemic was shite, but some responses were good. If I do go back and do retraining, it will be online mostly, and as a single Dad with 3 kids, I resonate with this post.

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

I also resonate. Online is fantastic but it does have drawbacks; you have to be self-motivated and I quickly realised that our Course Co-ordinator was useless, probably because she knew we couldn't just go and knock on her door for assistance.

We set up a class WhatsApp group and the support and craic has been great. I will probably meet them for the first time at the Graduation but we will click like old friends, i know that much.

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By *andyrackkyMan
over a year ago

South

As someone who has worked in L&D for many years, springboard is a fantastic opportunity to get back into learning and enhancing personal development. I would love to see more courses and topics being added more regularly but it's definitely a step in the right direction.

I just wished the Irish government would follow the UK government where apprenticeships in learning can be paid for through PAYE ir corporate tax funds. Its such a good incentive, opens a world of post grads, professional diplomas, bachelors and masters that doesn't hit the pocket too badly. But then again, I don't wait on our government too much these days....

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

Got my Year 1 results today and I did well

You're never too old to return to education and I'm proof of that. In fact, my maturity actually helped me as my study technique was better than ever.

Link to Springboard for anyone remotely interested, have a look:

https://springboardcourses.ie/

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By *og-ManMan
over a year ago

somewhere

Congrats Nic

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By *electableicecreamMan
over a year ago

The West

"Got my Year 1 results today and I did well

You're never too old to return to education and I'm proof of that. In fact, my maturity actually helped me as my study technique was better than ever.

Link to Springboard for anyone remotely interested, have a look:

https://springboardcourses.ie/"

Class. Well done!

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By *ofusplus OP Couple
over a year ago

Limerick

Thanks guys

I'm not looking for praise though, I'm trying to encourage people who may be hesitant to make that career change or feel they are too old for college

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By *rish In DubaiMan
over a year ago

Carlow

Another 30 years of work. I WOULD SAY NO THAT'S NOT TO OLD.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Thanks guys

I'm not looking for praise though, I'm trying to encourage people who may be hesitant to make that career change or feel they are too old for college

I availed of springboard a number of years ago and it's an absolutely fantastic opportunity to progress acedemically without the worry of being bogged down financially.

And the variety of courses on offer has something for everyone.

Highly recommended

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By *leasurer77Man
over a year ago

Athlone

Back in 2018 I was in a job where I felt I had no promotional opportunities so I applied for a Springboard MedDev course in Quality and Reg affairs. I was really enjoying the Saturdays in UL (even more the Friday nights). Anyway COVID put pay to the in class learning but the course continued and I got my L8. My boss at work found out I was doing the course and immediately offered me a promotion so even though I never moved to MedDev, Springboard definitely paid off for me and I still have it there if I do decide to move. Best 700 euro I ever spent.

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