Springboard+ courses helped Louth brothers find careers after serving with Irish Defence Forces
The Springboard+ programme, which is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, helps people to do short courses to upskill in very specific areas.
Sean McCaffrey, from Dundalk, spent 16 years in the Irish Defence Forces, before completing a Certificate in Procurement Management from University College Cork, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in Business from Technological University Dublin. He now works for Iarnród Éireann.
'I left school at 18 without completing my Leaving Certificate. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, so I joined the Irish Defence Forces where I spent 16 years. After leaving, I decided to pursue my first Springboard+ course — a Certificate in Procurement Management from University College Cork after which I was offered a job in Iarnród Éireann – a job I wouldn't have been in the running for only for my Springboard+ course.
'I saw tangible benefits immediately, so it was a no-brainer to start a level nine Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in Business from Technological University Dublin, which enabled me to move up the career ladder with Iarnród Éireann, as sustainability is key to so many industries today.
'The impact of these courses has gone far beyond my professional life. They've boosted my confidence, opened doors I never thought possible, and improved my ability to support my young family thanks to flexible, hybrid learning. The experience has instilled in me a love of lifelong learning — something I encourage in everyone around me, including my siblings, who have all completed Springboard+ courses.
'Springboard+ gave me more than just qualifications — it provided me with new opportunities, a stronger sense of purpose, and the skills to be employable in a changing world.'
His brother Liam spent 17 years in the Irish Defence Forces, before completing Diploma in Management Practices from Carlow IT. Liam now works as a HR Operations Manager for the Higher Education Authority.
'I left school without a Leaving Cert and spent 17 years in the Irish Defence Forces — during which I struggled with basic writing skills. Before I transitioned to civilian life, I knew I needed to upskill to become more employable. My first Springboard+ course, a Diploma in Management Practices from Carlow IT, opened up a world I never knew existed, and I fell in love with 3rd level education.
"It didn't just improve my career prospects — it gave me the tools and confidence to build a better future for my family. When I started my role with the HEA, I knew things had changed for my family forever. Gone were the days of working three jobs and never being at home with my family — now I have a more fulfilling career with the time and flexibility to be with my family more often. I will be forever grateful to Springboard for providing me with an affordable way to improve the future for me and my children.
"Looking at my own growth through Springboard+ is incredible - comparing my first assignment to my final one is like night and day. Springboard+ didn't just equip me with skills, it gave me belief in myself, and that confidence has made its way through every part of my life, from my work to my family. Most of my siblings have completed Springboard+ courses, and my 22-year-old son is considering his first course. I never would have imagined us both in 3rd level education at the same time, but it's a testament to the quality of Springboard+ and the value of lifelong learning.'
Speaking about this year's programme, Dr Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics at the Higher Education Authority said: 'There are many reasons to consider a Springboard+ course, but the two key benefits are the cost and the quality.
If you're eligible to apply for a full- or part-time Springboard+ course the most you'll pay is 10% of the fees. If you're currently out of work, you'll be 100% subsidised through the Springboard+ programme. The micro-credentials courses which last around 12 weeks are 50% subsidised for all participants.
In terms of the quality of the course and the qualification at the end of it – courses range from Certificate (Level 6) to Masters (Level 9) on the National Framework of Qualifications and are delivered by the best public and private higher education providers around the country.'
Since 2011, over €400m has been spent on Springboard+ and over 110,000 people have benefited from the programme to date.
Springboard+ courses are delivered both online and through blended learning and last up to one year. Courses are available on a part-time or full-time basis, offering more flexibility to learners.
Applications are made through the Springboard+ website (https://springboardcourses.ie/) and applications will open on 3rd June. All courses will commence between 1st July and 31st October 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
2 days ago
- The Journal
Applications open for the free college courses on offer for the next academic year
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW open for Springboard, an initiative that offers free and heavily subsidised college courses. The courses on offer for this year were announced last week . They are mainly available in areas aligning with national economic priorities such as infrastructure planning, sustainable building, renewable energy, digital skills, cyber security, and artificial intelligence. You can view here the full list of courses made available. The courses are provided 'at certificate, degree, and masters level leading to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy'. Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless said that the initiative is 'one of the most impactful' investments made by the government in further education. The courses on offer are designed to respond to evolving skills demands. 'It offers thousands of learners the chance to upskill or reskill in areas where Ireland needs talent from artificial intelligence to infrastructure planning to cybersecurity,' he said. Lawless added that Springboard is meant to make upskilling more accessible and achievable for everyone. Advertisement It will deliver 7,719 places across 249 courses for the 2025/26 academic year. All courses will commence between 1 July and 31 October 2025. Courses are flexible and accessible, with 96% delivered online or in blended format, designed to support working professionals, jobseekers, and those returning to further education alike, the department said. Some of the universities offering courses that are covered include Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, University College Cork, University of Galway, University of Limerick, and University College Dublin. A large number of places are also available in technological universities and institutes, with a large volume available for applications in ATU campuses across Ireland. You can check your eligibility for the initiative here . You must have a valid PPS number and be living full-time in the Republic of Ireland. 'Applicants currently unemployed, or seeking to return to the workforce after a career break to care for loved ones, qualify for a free place on a higher education course,' a statement said. If you are in employment, 90% of the total fees are covered by Springboard, with the remaining 10% covered either by the applicant or their employer. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- RTÉ News
Upskilling iniative Springboard opens 2025 applications
Dr Vivienne Patterson, Higher Education Authority, outlines how Springboard courses can boost people's careers as applications open for its 2025 programme.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Springboard+ courses helped Louth brothers find careers after serving with Irish Defence Forces
The Springboard+ programme, which is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, helps people to do short courses to upskill in very specific areas. Sean McCaffrey, from Dundalk, spent 16 years in the Irish Defence Forces, before completing a Certificate in Procurement Management from University College Cork, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in Business from Technological University Dublin. He now works for Iarnród Éireann. 'I left school at 18 without completing my Leaving Certificate. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, so I joined the Irish Defence Forces where I spent 16 years. After leaving, I decided to pursue my first Springboard+ course — a Certificate in Procurement Management from University College Cork after which I was offered a job in Iarnród Éireann – a job I wouldn't have been in the running for only for my Springboard+ course. 'I saw tangible benefits immediately, so it was a no-brainer to start a level nine Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in Business from Technological University Dublin, which enabled me to move up the career ladder with Iarnród Éireann, as sustainability is key to so many industries today. 'The impact of these courses has gone far beyond my professional life. They've boosted my confidence, opened doors I never thought possible, and improved my ability to support my young family thanks to flexible, hybrid learning. The experience has instilled in me a love of lifelong learning — something I encourage in everyone around me, including my siblings, who have all completed Springboard+ courses. 'Springboard+ gave me more than just qualifications — it provided me with new opportunities, a stronger sense of purpose, and the skills to be employable in a changing world.' His brother Liam spent 17 years in the Irish Defence Forces, before completing Diploma in Management Practices from Carlow IT. Liam now works as a HR Operations Manager for the Higher Education Authority. 'I left school without a Leaving Cert and spent 17 years in the Irish Defence Forces — during which I struggled with basic writing skills. Before I transitioned to civilian life, I knew I needed to upskill to become more employable. My first Springboard+ course, a Diploma in Management Practices from Carlow IT, opened up a world I never knew existed, and I fell in love with 3rd level education. "It didn't just improve my career prospects — it gave me the tools and confidence to build a better future for my family. When I started my role with the HEA, I knew things had changed for my family forever. Gone were the days of working three jobs and never being at home with my family — now I have a more fulfilling career with the time and flexibility to be with my family more often. I will be forever grateful to Springboard for providing me with an affordable way to improve the future for me and my children. "Looking at my own growth through Springboard+ is incredible - comparing my first assignment to my final one is like night and day. Springboard+ didn't just equip me with skills, it gave me belief in myself, and that confidence has made its way through every part of my life, from my work to my family. Most of my siblings have completed Springboard+ courses, and my 22-year-old son is considering his first course. I never would have imagined us both in 3rd level education at the same time, but it's a testament to the quality of Springboard+ and the value of lifelong learning.' Speaking about this year's programme, Dr Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics at the Higher Education Authority said: 'There are many reasons to consider a Springboard+ course, but the two key benefits are the cost and the quality. If you're eligible to apply for a full- or part-time Springboard+ course the most you'll pay is 10% of the fees. If you're currently out of work, you'll be 100% subsidised through the Springboard+ programme. The micro-credentials courses which last around 12 weeks are 50% subsidised for all participants. In terms of the quality of the course and the qualification at the end of it – courses range from Certificate (Level 6) to Masters (Level 9) on the National Framework of Qualifications and are delivered by the best public and private higher education providers around the country.' Since 2011, over €400m has been spent on Springboard+ and over 110,000 people have benefited from the programme to date. Springboard+ courses are delivered both online and through blended learning and last up to one year. Courses are available on a part-time or full-time basis, offering more flexibility to learners. Applications are made through the Springboard+ website ( and applications will open on 3rd June. All courses will commence between 1st July and 31st October 2025.
