Over 300 homemakers, who have been granted access by the Irish Government, enrolled for free higher education courses commencing in Autumn 2017.

For the first time, Springboard+ has been extended to homemakers who wish to reskill and return to the workforce.

Free higher education courses include certificate, degree and masters level in a variety of areas, ranging from advanced manufacturing and business to entrepreneurship and ICT.

Those in employment have also been given the opportunity for the first time to upskill under Springboard+ in courses other than ICT with 1,080 people taking courses in Advanced manufacturing and Biopharma/Medtech sectors.

Welcoming the strong uptake of Springboard+ courses, Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton said:

“Over 2,000 employed and self-employed people and 300 homemakers have taken up places on Springboard+ courses, allowing them to upskill and reskill in advanced manufacturing, business and entrepreneurship, and ICT.

“Home makers make a huge contribution to society. It is important that the government supports people who have worked in the home to reskill and return to work if they wish to. Springboard+ gives people the opportunity to do a free course at certificate, degree or masters level. Over half of homemakers enrolled in courses in advanced manufacturing and ICT.

“Springboard+ is a great example of education providers and employers working together to develop the talent required in the economy and changing lives by giving people the opportunity to upskill or reskill whether they are unemployed, homemakers or in employment. Since 2011 over €134m has been allocated to Springboard+ providing for over 35,000 places.”

Springboard+ provides free third level courses at certificate, degree and masters level in areas of skills shortages.

Over two thirds of participants find employment in their area of study within 6 months of completing their course.

To date, 4,491 people have accepted places on over 208 courses representing an estimated 90% fill-rate, which is in line with last year’s uptake.

Some courses are still open for application, more details can be found at www.springboardcourses.ie