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Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

13567…29

Comments

  • #102
    yoshx
    Closed Accounts Posts: 156 ✭✭yoshx


    This is it wrote: »
    But sure, why do anything in life. Most people need money, so most people need a job. Third level education is one avenue available to us to make this possible.

    are we on this planet to satisfy our needs? if money would not be an issue , what would you do deep in your heart ?


  • #103
    OnLooker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 706 ✭✭✭OnLooker


    icanmunch wrote: »
    finally managed to load the page. Any course I find is not open to those currently in employment

    The majority of them seem to have that but when you click into the course content they allow employed people to attend.


  • #104
    yoshx
    Closed Accounts Posts: 156 ✭✭yoshx


    touts wrote: »
    Got rejected did you?[/QUOT

    I went on site to see what amazing courses are being thought to the general public, it failed , the site crashed - so we could say it was a heavenly intervention :)


  • #105
    yoshx
    Closed Accounts Posts: 156 ✭✭yoshx


    Clareman wrote: »
    I've done 2 Springboard courses now and they are brilliant in my opinion, nothing to do with jobs or careers advancement but as a hobby, you can spend your evenings watching Netflix or whatever you want, personally I did evening courses online and loved every second of them, forgetting about the extra letters after my name or pieces of paper in the post, you get to meet people with similar interests as you have and it is quite a sociable thing.

    Now this , you are one in 100s , you deserve to apply and keep going for the joy of study knowledge ! Your courses should be free and should be supported !

    I see a lot of people going into fields with very little interest and finding no fulfillment , I believe your journey will yield great friendship and maybe an academic future ahead of you. May I ask what courses have you completed ?


  • #106
    touts
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,536 ✭✭✭touts


    dinneenp wrote: »
    I spoke to them last week. It's not first come, first served. There's a deadline for applications and all submitted will get reviewed.

    Thanks. I think I'll leave it until tomorrow so :-)


  • #107
    This is it
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,689 ✭✭✭This is it


    yoshx wrote: »
    are we on this planet to satisfy our needs? if money would not be an issue , what would you do deep in your heart ?

    Deep in my heart? A Springboard course.


  • #108
    - bo -
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 839 ✭✭✭- bo -


    yoshx wrote: »
    Now this , you are one in 100s , you deserve to apply and keep going for the joy of study knowledge ! Your courses should be free and should be supported !

    I see a lot of people going into fields with very little interest and finding no fulfillment , I believe your journey will yield great friendship and maybe an academic future ahead of you. May I ask what courses have you completed ?

    Get a grip. It's a bargain alert, not an open discussion on life and fulfillment. Away somewhere else with your wishy washy sh1te...


  • #109
    dvcireland
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,131 ✭✭✭✭dvcireland


    mad m wrote: »
    I applied for a course in WIT last year, didn't realise it was springboard funded. You pay 10% so I had to pay 500 euro. I had to meet the criteria set out for the course I was doing plus upload a **** load of my qualifications before I was granted funding.

    I'm in full time employment and up until Covid I was travelling to WIT in Waterford every 2nd Friday, stayed down there and was in WIT on Saturday till 2pm.
    some providers are fussier than others, one course provider (getreskilled) wanted me to get a written statement from a peace commissioner to prove that i had been resident in ireland,

    "...no Joe, you rang me !..." A.Caller.



  • #110
    This is it
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,689 ✭✭✭This is it


    I completed a course in Springboard about 5 years ago, I applied and was accepted within about a week. Didn't have to upload anything


  • #111
    Away With The Fairies
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,077 ✭✭✭Away With The Fairies


    OnLooker wrote: »
    The majority of them seem to have that but when you click into the course content they allow employed people to attend.

    Priority has to be given to those that are unemployed.


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  • #112
    yoshx
    Closed Accounts Posts: 156 ✭✭yoshx


    - bo - wrote: »
    Get a grip. It's a bargain alert, not an open discussion on life and fulfillment. Away somewhere else with your wishy washy sh1te...

    You are right its a bargain site, my point is you can be productive part of society without a degree ,and being self taught, if you feel to deepen yourself in the academic field this is a really great opportunity . If you here only for the bargain and thinking you will profit , you might get disappointed.

    My opinion is :

    higher degree isn't ≠ better life

    also

    better job [more money] ≠ a peaceful respectful life and being more productive part of society , unless you can keep your Ego in check :)

    Am I being too wishy washy ? I am sorry for being different from you


  • #113
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    yoshx wrote: »
    You are right its a bargain site, my point is you can be productive part of society without a degree ,and being self taught, if you feel to deepen yourself in the academic field this is a really great opportunity . If you here only for the bargain and thinking you will profit , you might get disappointed.

    My opinion is :

    higher degree isn't ≠ better life

    also

    better job [more money] ≠ a peaceful respectful life and being more productive part of society , unless you can keep your Ego in check :)

    Am I being too wishy washy ? I am sorry for being different from you

    Probably should have told yourself this little anecdote 10 years ago.


  • #114
    CBear1993
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,397 ✭✭✭CBear1993


    Any way of getting this @yoshx numpty off the thread? tried to message me asking what I didn't understand.

    Let's start with the fact that it looks like you smoked a sizeable bag of mary jane before you type your messages.

    Complete and utter tripe. Go and find the spiritual forum


  • #115
    contrary_devil
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 205 ✭✭contrary_devil


    Is the Springboard site being overloaded or what's the problem, I've been trying it for over an hour and it won't load?


  • #116
    This is it
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,689 ✭✭✭This is it


    contrary_devil wrote: »
    Is the Springboard site being overloaded or what's the problem, I've been trying it for over an hour and it won't load?

    Yep, looks like it's crashing


  • #117
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,153 ✭✭✭dinneenp


    This is it wrote: »
    I completed a course in Springboard about 5 years ago, I applied and was accepted within about a week. Didn't have to upload anything

    It's obviously changed since. I know for Sligo PM course you need to upload & also submit, up to 500 words, why you're applying.


  • #118
    Mickeroo
    Administrators, Computer Games Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 32,397 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Mickeroo


    It's been down for a few hours now I think.


  • #119
    Clareman
    Moderators, Sports Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators Posts: 24,005 Mod ✭✭✭✭Clareman


    yoshx wrote: »
    Now this , you are one in 100s , you deserve to apply and keep going for the joy of study knowledge ! Your courses should be free and should be supported !

    I see a lot of people going into fields with very little interest and finding no fulfillment , I believe your journey will yield great friendship and maybe an academic future ahead of you. May I ask what courses have you completed ?

    1 was a management course and the other was a technical course that were both outside my normal areas of expertise, both were levels 8 and 9 which is nice :)


  • #120
    This is it
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,689 ✭✭✭This is it


    dinneenp wrote: »
    It's obviously changed since. I know for Sligo PM course you need to upload & also submit, up to 500 words, why you're applying.

    Yeah, it was probably in it's infancy when I started which was 7 or 8 years ago now. More applications means more processes to whittle numbers down.


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  • #121
    Daniel112
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 107 ✭✭Daniel112


    From their twitter page:
    https://twitter.com/SpringboardHEA/status/1276137904000110593

    Guess we just try again tomorrow! :rolleyes:


  • #122
    CBear1993
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,397 ✭✭✭CBear1993


    Some craic these colleges/course providers


  • #123
    FFVII
    Registered Users Posts: 1,382 ✭✭✭FFVII


    How do I get the, whoever's running springboard, any job in there would be great.


  • #124
    machiavellianme
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,667 ✭✭✭✭machiavellianme


    yoshx wrote: »
    You are right its a bargain site, my point is you can be productive part of society without a degree ,and being self taught, if you feel to deepen yourself in the academic field this is a really great opportunity . If you here only for the bargain and thinking you will profit , you might get disappointed.

    My opinion is :

    higher degree isn't ≠ better life

    also

    better job [more money] ≠ a peaceful respectful life and being more productive part of society , unless you can keep your Ego in check :)

    Am I being too wishy washy ? I am sorry for being different from you

    Ah, the old double negative. So you're saying that a higher degree is equal to a better life!


  • #125
    cronos
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,719 ✭✭✭cronos


    Is this all first come first served? How long to the places tend to fill up?


  • #126
    FFVII
    Registered Users Posts: 1,382 ✭✭✭FFVII


    cronos wrote: »
    Is this all first come first served? How long to the places tend to fill up?

    No.

    Read back.


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  • #127
    Mystery666
    Registered Users Posts: 24 ✭Mystery666


    I know there's an option to turn the Higher Diploma in Computer Science into an MSc in UCD by converting halfway through. I only know about this through word of mouth, is there any other Higher Diploma's that have a similar option as this is the only one I know about.


  • #128
    r439z5ifwt8soq
    Closed Accounts Posts: 76 ✭✭r439z5ifwt8soq


    Mystery666 wrote: »
    I know there's an option to turn the Higher Diploma in Computer Science into an MSc in UCD by converting halfway through. I only know about this through word of mouth, is there any other Higher Diploma's that have a similar option as this is the only one I know about.


    I can't speak for all of the courses but I've just finished a Postgraduate Diploma course which was essentially just the taught modules element of a masters.


    There was then a choice to either graduate after that year with a PGDip, or complete a dissertation for the MSc award. In that case, it was only the Postgraduate Diploma part that was covered under Springboard. The dissertation element was to be undertaken as a second year.


  • #129
    CBear1993
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,397 ✭✭✭CBear1993


    Lainey Mushy Stinger wrote: »
    I can't speak for all of the courses but I've just finished a Postgraduate Diploma course which was essentially just the taught modules element of a masters.


    There was then a choice to either graduate after that year with a PGDip, or complete a dissertation for the MSc award. In that case, it was only the Postgraduate Diploma part that was covered under Springboard. The dissertation element was to be undertaken as a second year.

    Is it really necessary if you’re looking to change industry you’re in? Will the PgDip be enough to get you in the door with employers/recruiters...


  • #130
    Brozy
    Registered Users Posts: 197 ✭✭Brozy


    CBear1993 wrote: »
    Is it really necessary if you’re looking to change industry you’re in? Will the PgDip be enough to get you in the door with employers/recruiters...

    Depends of the industry you're in and what you want to move to, as well as how many years of experience and transferable skills you've built up.

    If you've no experience in the IT sector and you want to break into it, I'd say in most cases you'd require a qualification or at least be working towards one.

    In my opinion the majority of employers don't overly care about the content of your course or where you studied. Third level qualifications are prerequisites and they like to see you can start something and finish it out. If you're adding to your qualifications/continuing your professional development off your own bat and paying it for yourself, employers also love to see this.


  • #131
    r439z5ifwt8soq
    Closed Accounts Posts: 76 ✭✭r439z5ifwt8soq


    CBear1993 wrote: »
    Is it really necessary if you’re looking to change industry you’re in? Will the PgDip be enough to get you in the door with employers/recruiters...


    Well it's something anyway. In the IT industry, an NFQ qualification would generally open the door, but professional certifications would be more valuable after that in many areas.


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  • #132
    This is it
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,689 ✭✭✭This is it


    Lainey Mushy Stinger wrote: »
    Well it's something anyway. In the IT industry, an NFQ qualification would generally open the door, but professional certifications would be more valuable after that in many areas.

    Agree with this, in most cases anyway.


  • #133
    Dante7
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,543 ✭✭✭Dante7


    The site is still not up. They might want to take one of their own courses that covers load balancing.


  • #134
    FutureGuy
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 15,237 Mod ✭✭✭✭FutureGuy


    When is the deadline to apply?


  • #135
    This is it
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,689 ✭✭✭This is it


    FutureGuy wrote: »
    When is the deadline to apply?

    I'd say deadlines will be July/August, most courses kicking off in mid September. It'll vary depending on the course provider


  • #136
    AngryLips
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,761 ✭✭✭AngryLips


    Mystery666 wrote: »
    I know there's an option to turn the Higher Diploma in Computer Science into an MSc in UCD by converting halfway through. I only know about this through word of mouth, is there any other Higher Diploma's that have a similar option as this is the only one I know about.


    Most postgrad diplomas are just a masters with a component missing.


    Dante7 wrote: »
    The site is still not up. They might want to take one of their own courses that covers load balancing.


    They've said on their Twitter that the site will be back up on Friday. Springboard have actually been quite good with their updates on Twitter.


  • #137
    un5byh7sqpd2x0
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,862 ✭✭✭un5byh7sqpd2x0


    Dante7 wrote: »
    The site is still not up. They might want to take one of their own courses that covers load balancing.

    Or cloud elasticity


  • #138
    declanflynn
    Registered Users Posts: 1,159 ✭✭✭declanflynn


    I cant find the Financial Accounting and Payroll course on Athlone's website, can anyone help me


  • #139
    roadmaster
    Registered Users Posts: 3,851 ✭✭✭roadmaster


    Have some courses not gone ahead?


  • #140
    JIdontknow
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 728 ✭✭✭JIdontknow


    Seems to be open now but website is very hit and miss.


  • #141
    newuser99999
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 378 ✭✭newuser99999


    declanflynn wrote: »
    I cant find the Financial Accounting and Payroll course on Athlone's website, can anyone help me

    Apply through the Springboard website it’s there.


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  • #142
    Ficheall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,034 ✭✭✭Ficheall


    I'm doing one of these at the moment - my main reasons for studying via Springboard were (a) the piece of paper, (b) the promised work placement.


    I'll still get the piece of paper, which is good, but I could have learned much more in far less time from youtube etc. than by doing the course. You will find the courses have a couple of "filler" modules that often won't be of interest to you or of any practical benefit, and parts of them can be very slow in parts to bring everyone up to speed, whereas if you're studying on your own, you can focus on the things that do interest you and do so in more depth. (Obviously you can still do extra stuff that isn't mandated on your own, but time, time, time.) The courses are helpful if, like me, your self-discipline is lacking.


    The course I'm doing doesn't provide the work placement for the students - you have to organise that yourself. If you can't get a work placement, you can write a "prior workplace experience" essay to attest that you play well with others etc. So it's a trivial module from a "credits" point of view, and the work placement seems to be just there as an advertising pull rather than being an important part of the course. Your course may, of course, differ - might be worth asking.


    As a self-employed person, I paid ~700e over the two years. It feels approximately worth it.


  • #143
    jaffa20
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,550 ✭✭✭jaffa20


    I don't think all the courses are there yet. At least not the DCU courses


  • #144
    AngryLips
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,761 ✭✭✭AngryLips


    Ficheall wrote: »
    I'll still get the piece of paper, which is good, but I could have learned much more in far less time from youtube etc.


    The same could be said of pretty much any third level course. The difference is that it provides the structure through which to do it in with externally set deadlines and objectives with proper accreditation at the end. If you consider yourself better able to learn on your own and that much of the course content is filler then maybe third level education is not for you?

    Ficheall wrote: »
    The course I'm doing doesn't provide the work placement for the students - you have to organise that yourself.


    While various places will have different levels of support for work placement, the onus is still on the student to go off and secure something for themselves. Ain't nobody going to spoon feed you once you graduate.


  • #145
    Ficheall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,034 ✭✭✭Ficheall


    AngryLips wrote: »
    The same could be said of pretty much any third level course. The difference is that it provides the structure through which to do it in with externally set deadlines and objectives with proper accreditation at the end. If you consider yourself better able to learn on your own and that much of the course content is filler then maybe third level education is not for you?
    Yes, the same could be said of pretty much any third-level course, and I think third-level education in its current form is vastly overrated, and that the education bubble must surely burst at some point. But the piece of paper, as I acknowledged in my post, is sadly needed for the jobs market.

    AngryLips wrote: »
    While various places will have different levels of support for work placement, the onus is still on the student to go off and secure something for themselves. Ain't nobody going to spoon feed you once you graduate.
    My point was that one of the modules is a work placement (or "equivalent"), and it was unclear at the beginning that the course had no structures or proffered industry ties in place to support this. So you have a course with ~150 students all looking for work placements in the same area at the same time, with nothing set up to streamline this.

    I'm not expecting to be hand-held (there is waaay too much of that in third-level education), I'm just saying that it might be worth clarifying with the course provider what the story is with work placements, to see if your expectations are appropriate.



    If you need the piece of paper for work prospects or don't have the self-discipline to work on your own, by all means these courses can be useful, but if it is just for the sake of learning the material for its own sake and you don't care about having the piece of paper and don't want to have the course hanging over you for a year or two, then I wouldn't spend any money on these courses.


  • #146
    Blanco100
    Registered Users Posts: 1,933 ✭✭✭Blanco100


    Is there any application deadline?


  • #147
    Blanco100
    Registered Users Posts: 1,933 ✭✭✭Blanco100


    Lainey Mushy Stinger wrote: »
    I can't speak for all of the courses but I've just finished a Postgraduate Diploma course which was essentially just the taught modules element of a masters.


    There was then a choice to either graduate after that year with a PGDip, or complete a dissertation for the MSc award. In that case, it was only the Postgraduate Diploma part that was covered under Springboard. The dissertation element was to be undertaken as a second year.

    Did you have to present the dissertation or simply hand it in?

    Very interested in doing the Higher Diploma in Data Analytics at Maynooth, would ideally love to do the masters, would it cost much to complete the masters once you complete the higher diploma?


  • #148
    Away With The Fairies
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,077 ✭✭✭Away With The Fairies


    Blanco100 wrote: »
    Is there any application deadline?

    I think it depends on the course.


  • #149
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Blanco100 wrote: »
    Very interested in doing the Higher Diploma in Data Analytics at Maynooth, would ideally love to do the masters, would it cost much to complete the masters once you complete the higher diploma?

    €6,750 I believe.


  • #150
    Away With The Fairies
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,077 ✭✭✭Away With The Fairies


    Has anyone applied while receiving the Covid PUP? I don't see it as an option for a social welfare payment.


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  • #151
    Blanco100
    Registered Users Posts: 1,933 ✭✭✭Blanco100


    jaffa20 wrote: »
    I don't think all the courses are there yet. At least not the DCU courses

    Same with Institute of banking courses


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