What is Springboard?

Springboard is an exciting initiative for an increasingly knowledge-driven economy. It provides an pipeline of job-ready graduates in the currently expanding enterprise areas of information and communications technology; medical devices; the green economy; the biopharma-pharmachem industry; food and beverage; and international financial services. Springboard graduates are also emerging with cutting edge cross-enterprise skills such as six sigma, lean and quality systems; languages; export sales skills; and business start-up and entrepreneurship skills.

Springboard participants are unemployed people who lost their jobs as a result of the recession. They possess a previous history of employment, so their skill set includes a wealth of practical experience and knowledge from the workplace. Many also already have a higher education qualification but have taken the pro-active step of upskilling or cross-skilling for an employment growth area.

What's different about Springboard?

Springboard is a highly industry-focused initiative. Springboard higher education providers have worked closely with local, regional, national and multi-national employers to ensure that course content is up-to-date, fit-for-purpose, and will prepare graduates to take up exciting new employment opportunities.

Who provides the higher education and training in areas of skills need?

All Springboard providers are higher education colleges with established quality assurance systems, and all awards are placed on the National Framework of Qualifications. Springboard providers are situated around the country and include the Irish universities, institutes of technology and private higher education colleges.

How many upskilled people is Springboard generating?

In 2012, we expect 3,500 people to complete their Springboard qualification, having enrolled in 2011. Some will have already gained employment in growth sectors, however a substantial proportion are now seeking an immediate return to employment equipped with relevant skills that can help to drive businesses forward.