Kildare learners invited to apply to Springboard 2026
Minister Lawless with (L–R): Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics at the HEA; Elvira Benton; John Corrigan; Aideen Brennan; and Shelley Coleman, all Springboard+ learners.
KILDARE North TD James Lawless has announced an innovation that will provide more than 7,200 places across 244 courses delivered by 36 education providers nationwide.
‘Springboard 2026’ was launched this week by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science from Naas.
This includes 40 Springboard places delivered in Kildare, providing local opportunities for learners in the county.
With many courses now delivered fully online or through blended learning, geographic location is no longer a barrier, meaning learners in Kildare can also access thousands of places available nationwide, including through nearby providers in Dublin and across the wider region.
Springboard course providers include Maynooth University, alongside a range of higher education institutions nationwide.
Springboard courses, which include micro-credential courses since 2025, are designed to help people develop skills that are in demand across the Irish economy and prepare for emerging career opportunities.
The programme includes courses in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, sustainability, healthcare innovation, advanced manufacturing and business leadership, as well as emerging fields including offshore wind energy, circular economy initiatives, carbon Full or part-time courses are free for unemployed participants and returners to the workforce, while those in employment typically pay just 10 per cent of the course fee, with micro-credentials having half (50%) of fees subsidised for all learners, regardless of employment status.
