Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

beertons · 04-05-2023 07:53PM

I'm nearly finished Applied Data Analytics in LYIT. Completely not my thing, but just a few weeks left now, so happy to see it out. Wondering what to do next. Was thinking about doing BER certificate surveys, but I don't come from a trade background, so I'd have to do a 2 year Cert before I get to do a course? Is this right? I like numbers too, maybe accounting or a technician?

JoeCat · 04-05-2023 10:09PM

Anyone knows when they will post courses to start in September? It seems that all I see is start date 2022.

Officer Giggles · 04-05-2023 10:14PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120556463#Comment_120556463

Their social media channels just says they'll be released shortly

cronos · 05-05-2023 10:25AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120555758#Comment_120555758

What didn't you like about Applied Data Analytics?

beertons · 05-05-2023 02:07PM

I'd have liked to have spent more time on subjects. We were only about 2 weeks on Tableau, 2 on Talend. Spent a good bit of time on Python, but that subject is a bit in the past, according to others. SQL was interesting, but again, I'd have liked more time at it before moving to Advanced SQL.

Robert Nairac · 12-05-2023 10:15PM

The site is back up. Turn off VPN to access it.

The new courses have not been published yet but it says they will be published this month. No specific date given.

Robert Nairac · 30-05-2023 12:12PM

A few courses are currently accepting applications.

On Twitter, they are still writing that "we will be announcing the courses in the coming weeks".

What's the hold up?

zweton · 01-06-2023 04:25PM

Might be the good weather.

R11 · 01-06-2023 08:20PM

Anyone do the Digital Marketing and Digital Media Management course in DKIT?? Was it difficult? Interesting?

Robert Nairac · 02-06-2023 05:44PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120666868#Comment_120666868

It would be good to get a real update from them rather than them just reposting the same comment every month on their Twitter page.

If there is a funding issue then they should just write that rather than leave us poor people waiting for a bus that will never arrive.

Edit: Was in contact with TUD and they told me they are still waiting for confirmation on what courses will be funded/covered under Springboard.

doc22 · 05-06-2023 04:22PM

course list up today

TinaTiernan · 06-06-2023 10:58AM

Any recommendations for data analytics related courses?

TinaTiernan · 06-06-2023 12:29PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120681625#Comment_120681625

Sure if we're all out of work, who will buy products these companies are selling. :)

TKAspeed13 · 08-06-2023 11:12AM

How thoroughly do they check where you live? I only ask because I am from the Republic, born and raised, I still work and pay taxes in the Republic but had to move to NI last year due to finding it so hard to find somewhere to live/rent. I feel bad skirting the official rules of having to live full-time in the Republic but as I said I pay my taxes there and spend most of my time there. I used my parents' address for my application as I am there a few times a month, do you think there would be issues?

fast_eddie · 08-06-2023 02:09PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120689536#Comment_120689536

If I remember rightly they want utility bills to prove residence over the last number of years - but I'm open to correction.

Del Griffith · 09-06-2023 03:44PM

The website just redirects to hea.ie ? Where are the courses?

Supercell · 09-06-2023 03:57PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120695127#Comment_120695127

Works fine for me, are you using - https://springboardcourses.ie/ ?

@TKAspeed13 they definitely will ask for proof of address going back a few years, I did a course last year with them and they wanted more receipts than i thought were enough so its definitely checked, sorry.

AngryLips · 09-06-2023 05:34PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120695127#Comment_120695127

Only works from Ireland.

Robert Nairac · 11-06-2023 12:27AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120695127#Comment_120695127

Can't use outside of the country or with VPN.

doc22 · 11-06-2023 12:31PM

There must have been a not insignificant amount of applicants from outside ireland in prior years hence the restriction.

mp3ireland2 · 29-06-2023 08:53PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120689536#Comment_120689536

I applied a couple of years back. I had just been made redundant in Scotland and was in the process of moving home, they woudn't let me apply with a Scottish address, even though I explained I'd be in Ireland when the course started per the rules. I got a letter of emplyoment to say I was working on my Dad's farm, he signed that and it was enough proof in 2020. When I got another job at home I used that info in December when they looked for proof for the second half of the year. It could have changed since. On this basis I'd say a letter from your employer to say you are emplyoed would work. I'd type something out and get your boss to sign it, less hassle for your boss.

caviardreams · 29-06-2023 09:36PM

anyone spot any good courses? do they offer them first come first served or based on application?

Clareman · 29-06-2023 09:49PM

Very few courses fill so don't worry about that when applying. Also, don't worry about "good courses", worry about what you'd enjoy and what will suit you. I've done a few SpringBoard courses and I find that if you treat it as a hobby you'll fly through it (and get an honours), if you treat it as a job then you'll either pass or give up/fail.

Few things to remember

If you can do it full time, fair play, if you can't then make sure you can work the schedule. Online is brilliant but if it's (for example) evening classes from 6 to 10 2 nights a week an hour from your work, be honest, you'll struggle.
If you have an interest in it, chances are you know most of the content already and will be really engaged.
If you don't have an interest in it, you'll avoid it
Part-time courses are designed for working people, 10 hours a week will seem a lot, but think of giving up 1 hour of TV an evening and half an hour of your lunch break, that's 9.5 hours done. In reality it won't take 10 hours if you are interested.
If you are doing a course for work, talk to work about it, get them to sponsor you and give you time off to do it, chances are they'll get a tax break so will be happy to do it
If you are doing a course for a potential new job, make sure it's something you're interested in not something you hear is good.
If you are doing a course just because you are interested in it even if it has nothing to do with work make sure to tell work that you are doing a course, employers love to hear employees bettering themselves and might even give you a couple of days off study leave

Happy to answer any questions over PM if anyone wants, for me, I started a springboard course over a decade ago because my son was born and I was at home more than usual in thYe evenings, it was a brilliant hobby and I've now 3 college qualifications for less than a grand cash but I'd say I've made more than that back in student discounts.

ciano1 · 01-07-2023 10:26PM

Is there any limit to the number courses you can take? I did a one year level 8 pharma course in 19-20. Would I be eligible to have another course funded?

Supercell · 02-07-2023 03:57PM

When do the offers come in? Is it at the same time as the CAO ones (level 9 course)? I did a course before but it was a January start and i applied late so quite different to the one i've applied for this time.

TKAspeed13 · 03-07-2023 10:28AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120784443#Comment_120784443

Thanks mp3Ireland2, that's quite reassuring, I've been offered a place and have all of the documents they are looking for so fingers crossed.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120795627#Comment_120795627

I think it depends on the provider, I applied to 5 courses once it opened and got a response from 1 of them last week, haven't heard a peep from the rest.

fast_eddie · 03-07-2023 06:21PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120793501#Comment_120793501

You can take up to 3 courses in a 5-year period, according to the General Eligibility tab in the FAQ - HEA - Springboard+ (springboardcourses.ie)

Supercell · 11-07-2023 05:02PM

Got an email to say the course I applied for was oversubscribed and they are prioritising unemployed or returners, they did say there may be further places offered depending on uptake but no idea of likelihood of that, a little gutted to be honest. Can't argue with prioritising those looking to return to work when i already have a job, albeit in an area i'd like to change from.

zweton · 12-07-2023 09:23AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120837536#Comment_120837536

which one did you apply for?

doc22 · 13-07-2023 10:41AM

They vast majority on my prior course in springboard were workers(not returners or unemployed). The unemployment rate is too low to be picky. I'd say the colleges are more worried about the appitude of student and hence completion rate for courses in prior years. But the HEA may be puting the foot down now and auditing aderance to guidelines.

For Springboard courses in general I felt colleges put in little enough effort to some course and it was purely a financial exercise to get the money of springboard rather then academic merit. Some courses have substantial drop out rates too(I'd say down to poor teaching in some cases).

Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

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