Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

cronos · 23-06-2020 11:07pm

Saint_Mel wrote: »

No issue with work or salary. I done a level 9 masters part time while working full time. Only had to pay 10% (€800) of the course fee and the other €7200 was covered by springboard

How did you get this? Is it first come first served?

I work in IT as a software tester but would love to up-skill further in management. Money is tight so I'd definitely be interested if I can do it.

mad m · 24-06-2020 6:10pm

cronos wrote: »

How did you get this? Is it first come first served?

I work in IT as a software tester but would love to up-skill further in management. Money is tight so I'd definitely be interested if I can do it.

Register on springboard and apply for course. You need to up load stuff and answer questionnaire, they will look for ppsn number etc

CBear1993 · 24-06-2020 6:50pm

Hard to know what the hell to take the plunge/leap of faith at.

To be honest a new industry that is decent paying (€50K+) would be a godsend for myself.
I'm in construction and detest it, have spent a lot of time over the last 18 months - 2 years soul searching and working with career coach for 1-2 sessions etc to find out what I'm interested in. I know it isn't construction, as a QS i wouldn't even consider doing something else like health & safety, project management etc.

I had a root around on datacamp last night to see if i'd enjoy data analytics/software eng, but it wasn't up my street at all.
I think I just want to get away from sitting at a computer all day and do something fulfilling rather than churning numbers.
Which to be honest, in 2020 is very difficult, most jobs require desk time.

Head is wrecked on what to apply for tomorrow, will probably apply to a good few!!

Would agree on the layout tihs year - it's all well and good saying you can search the courses tomorrow when they go live, but sure they could be gone in a flash with all the people losing their jobs over the last few months.
I've looked at that excel file of lists then went onto the university it's from, but it is tedious when you don't know what you're looking for.

Thanks for the thread, good to hear of other people in the same boat.

BonnieSituation · 24-06-2020 7:23pm

CBear1993 wrote: »

Hard to know what the hell to take the plunge/leap of faith at.

To be honest a new industry that is decent paying (€50K+) would be a godsend for myself.
I'm in construction and detest it, have spent a lot of time over the last 18 months - 2 years soul searching and working with career coach for 1-2 sessions etc to find out what I'm interested in. I know it isn't construction, as a QS i wouldn't even consider doing something else like health & safety, project management etc.

I had a root around on datacamp last night to see if i'd enjoy data analytics/software eng, but it wasn't up my street at all.
I think I just want to get away from sitting at a computer all day and do something fulfilling rather than churning numbers.
Which to be honest, in 2020 is very difficult, most jobs require desk time.

Head is wrecked on what to apply for tomorrow, will probably apply to a good few!!

Would agree on the layout tihs year - it's all well and good saying you can search the courses tomorrow when they go live, but sure they could be gone in a flash with all the people losing their jobs over the last few months.
I've looked at that excel file of lists then went onto the university it's from, but it is tedious when you don't know what you're looking for.

Thanks for the thread, good to hear of other people in the same boat.

The courses hardly get locked out after a certain amount apply surely?

Brozy · 24-06-2020 7:39pm

BonnieSituation wrote: »

The courses hardly get locked out after a certain amount apply surely?

Highly doubt it

CBear1993 · 24-06-2020 11:30pm

Na probs not. Just a feeling this year they may go quicker . Anyone did the biopharma ones through NIBRT?

Padraig Mor · 25-06-2020 12:07am

Just coming out of a Springboard funded Level 7 Cert now actually. Exceptional value - work would have paid the full price for me but I decided to fork out the Springboard 10% myself and keep work available to cover something else in future.

un5byh7sqpd2x0 · 25-06-2020 12:12am

Brozy wrote: »

It's a shame they don't have the website updated with all the course information like last year.

It was very easy to navigate and pick out courses that interested you.

Now you have to search the course from the title and the institutions have different webpage layouts which puts me off searching.

That is of course is what’s going live tomorrow

CBear1993 · 25-06-2020 12:20am

Israel Tinkling Simulator wrote: »

That is of course is what’s going live tomorrow

Yes but what they’re saying is, in previous years you could have viewed the courses for the year ahead before applications opened. Tomorrow they go live and all there has been is an excel file with names of courses. I’m sure it’ll be fine but the worry is that some could go like hot cakes after people spend a day or two picking the right one for themselves. Previously they could have done this beforehand

BonnieSituation · 25-06-2020 12:27am

CBear1993 wrote: »

Yes but what they’re saying is, in previous years you could have viewed the courses for the year ahead before applications opened. Tomorrow they go live and all there has been is an excel file with names of courses. I’m sure it’ll be fine but the worry is that some could go like hot cakes after people spend a day or two picking the right one for themselves. Previously they could have done this beforehand

You still can.

I went through the excel sheet and deleted all the ones that have no interest or relevance to me. And basically refined it from there.

Tomorrow I'll click into what is relevant and that'll be that.

Daithi07 · 25-06-2020 8:06am

Anyone know what time this morning the courses should be available to apply?

Beersmith · 25-06-2020 8:48am

Daithi07 wrote: »

Anyone know what time this morning the courses should be available to apply?

10am

djan · 25-06-2020 9:17am

Are the applications based on the applicant's merit or is it just first come first served?

Daithi07 · 25-06-2020 9:23am

Beersmith wrote: »

10am

Thank you

Brozy · 25-06-2020 9:50am

Israel Tinkling Simulator wrote: »

That is of course is what’s going live tomorrow

Where did you see the site was going live today? Search function not pulling up anything for me.

As previously said, it's a nuisance that they removed the course information as it used to be available all year, regardless of whether applications were open or not.

There will be increased interest this year so its very disappointing. Best of luck to all applying.

FFVII · 25-06-2020 9:54am

Brozy wrote: »

Where did you see the site was going live today? Search function not pulling up anything for me.

As previously said, it's a nuisance that they pulled the course information

It says it in big writing on the site itself.

10am apparently. Someone said ^^^

FFVII · 25-06-2020 9:55am

Brozy wrote: »

Where did you see the site was going live today? Search function not pulling up anything for me.

As previously said, it's a nuisance that they removed the course information as it used to be available all year, regardless of whether applications were open or not.

There will be increased interest this year so its very disappointing. Best of luck to all applying.

You have an advantage so having used it before.

Lux23 · 25-06-2020 9:55am

tommyombomb wrote: »

Do many people get these if working fulltime on decent enough salary. Love to do something this year as an interest as might not be much happening and if it can pad the CV it would be great

A few of my mates got them in recent years and only had to pay 10% but I can see that changing.

Lucas Hood · 25-06-2020 9:58am

Lux23 wrote: »

A few of my mates got them in recent years and only had to pay 10% but I can see that changing.

Why can you see that changing?

This is it · 25-06-2020 10:02am

Website crashing? Can't even register

Brozy · 25-06-2020 10:03am

FFVII wrote: »

It says it in big writing on the site itself.

10am apparently. Someone said ^^^

I only see that applications are open on the 25th, nothing about time or updating the course information.

FFVII wrote: »

You have an advantage so having used it before.

I'm not applying this time around.

SK1979 · 25-06-2020 10:06am

This is it wrote: »

Website crashing? Can't even register

Yep, seems to be. Managed to get registered but looks like its getting hammered.

Amazing how this always seems to catch sites out, no prep for the inevitable surge in demand when it opens initially.

This is it · 25-06-2020 10:07am

No courses showing yet anyway, managed to get registered. Site taking a hammering I'd say.

go4it · 25-06-2020 10:18am

djan wrote: »

Are the applications based on the applicant's merit or is it just first come first served?

this type of courses are NOT first come first served ; it's based on merits!

And the schools won't close the application process, even if they have 10 times more applications than places : they have a way of filtering down the applications and pick the ones who really want and can learn new skills...

@offtopic : few people ( even on this forum ) thought that is a penneys opens at 10 , start Q-ing from 3 am type of thing

FFVII · 25-06-2020 10:29am

go4it wrote: »

this type of courses are NOT first come first served ; it's based on merits!

And the schools won't close the application process, even if they have 10 times more applications than places : they have a way of filtering down the applications and pick the ones who really want and can learn new skills...

@offtopic : few people ( even on this forum ) thought that is a penneys opens at 10 , start Q-ing from 3 am type of thing

Don't believe this guy. He's trying to get everyone to log off.

Kidding!

Thought I dunno how it works and I'm not sitting here waiting anymore. Will try later.

Jet Black · 25-06-2020 10:40am

They only said they hope to have it live at 10am and they haven't replied to the questions yet this morning, so it could be a few hours. Keep checking back and it should pop up eventually.

Edit:

They just said they are working on opening the application system and said it's going to be delayed.

newuser99999 · 25-06-2020 10:40am

2lazytogetup wrote: »

all sold out. quicker than electric picnic. well done to anyone who got one. ill try again next year.

They haven’t even opened yet ...

Treepole · 25-06-2020 10:46am

2lazytogetup wrote: »

all sold out. quicker than electric picnic. well done to anyone who got one. ill try again next year.

They don't "sell out".
It's not first come first served.

2lazytogetup · 25-06-2020 10:52am

my mate told me that he signed up to a springboard it course this morning and he has already received login from college and emails with his reading material attached. think he even has his timetable for september

djan · 25-06-2020 10:53am

go4it wrote: »

this type of courses are NOT first come first served ; it's based on merits!

And the schools won't close the application process, even if they have 10 times more applications than places : they have a way of filtering down the applications and pick the ones who really want and can learn new skills...

@offtopic : few people ( even on this forum ) thought that is a penneys opens at 10 , start Q-ing from 3 am type of thing

That's what I assumed was the case but just wanted to make sure

zep · 25-06-2020 10:54am

2lazytogetup wrote: »

my mate told me that he signed up to a springboard it course this morning and he has already received login from college and emails with his reading material attached. think he even has his timetable for september

That's total bullsh*t
it doesn't work like that.

Jet Black · 25-06-2020 10:56am

2lazytogetup wrote: »

my mate told me that he signed up to a springboard it course this morning and he has already received login from college and emails with his reading material attached. think he even has his timetable for september

Sure he did. I signed up too and they sent me my master's already, great service.

2lazytogetup · 25-06-2020 10:58am

Jet Black wrote: »

Sure he did. I signed up too and they sent me my master's already, great service.

well done, ill hire you so. 100k plus benefits per annum sound good?

CBear1993 · 25-06-2020 11:15am

Has the site crashed or have they just decided not to open it at 10am?

Missed all the thread this morning, just logged on and its still the excel list, no way of searching courses

icanmunch · 25-06-2020 11:16am

courses are live now but site is crashing for me

Jet Black · 25-06-2020 11:18am

CBear1993 wrote: »

Has the site crashed or have they just decided not to open it at 10am?

Missed all the thread this morning, just logged on and its still the excel list, no way of searching courses

Opened ten minutes ago but the site is getting hammered, it's not loading at all.

djan · 25-06-2020 11:18am

Tried to register but it came up with an error and now trying to log in it says account not verified check email. There hasn't been an email for the past hour or so. Anyone else experiencing this?

CBear1993 · 25-06-2020 11:19am

jeepers the traffic must be mad - I remember logging on last summer in august and most you could still apply to?

Maybe it's with the current job losses, or else people are sensing an impending recession.

I tried it on internet explorer and chrome, both crashing

touts · 25-06-2020 11:19am

Site keeps crashing. It's unusable at the moment.

yoshx · 25-06-2020 11:32am

just gonna share my 2 cents ,if they cant create a proper website that able to serve , why bother applying trough any of it ?

There is lack of resources or grey material to make this springboard website going, therefore anything is related to it is kind of obsolete.

Now lets say you got in and got your degree and your dream job with 100 k or more, you still just an homo sapiens with money and a job.

Congratulations You have Survived, whats is next ?

I would say you find more full filing life style away from all these super courses , educated people.

Good luck finding your ways

This is it · 25-06-2020 11:35am

yoshx wrote: »

just gonna share my 2 cents ,if they cant create a proper website that able to serve , why bother applying trough any of it ?

There is lack of resources or grey material to make this springboard website going, therefore anything is related to it is kind of obsolete.

Now lets say you got in and got your degree and your dream job with 100 k or more, you still just an homo sapiens with money and a job.

Congratulations You have Survived, whats is next ?

I would say you find more full filing life style away from all these super courses , educated people.

Good luck finding your ways

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.

CBear1993 · 25-06-2020 11:43am

Even when the page does load, it's still only giving the option of download SB 2020 list on an excel file?? is this the same for others?

The search function or drop downs for colleges etc aren't working for me yet.

touts · 25-06-2020 11:44am

yoshx wrote: »

just gonna share my 2 cents ,if they cant create a proper website that able to serve , why bother applying trough any of it ?

There is lack of resources or grey material to make this springboard website going, therefore anything is related to it is kind of obsolete.

Now lets say you got in and got your degree and your dream job with 100 k or more, you still just an homo sapiens with money and a job.

Congratulations You have Survived, whats is next ?

I would say you find more full filing life style away from all these super courses , educated people.

Good luck finding your ways

Got rejected did you?

dinneenp · 25-06-2020 11:44am

touts wrote: »

Site keeps crashing. It's unusable at the moment.

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.

CBear1993 · 25-06-2020 11:44am

yoshx wrote: »

just gonna share my 2 cents ,if they cant create a proper website that able to serve , why bother applying trough any of it ?

There is lack of resources or grey material to make this springboard website going, therefore anything is related to it is kind of obsolete.

Now lets say you got in and got your degree and your dream job with 100 k or more, you still just an homo sapiens with money and a job.

Congratulations You have Survived, whats is next ?

I would say you find more full filing life style away from all these super courses , educated people.

Good luck finding your ways

I'm sorry could you repeat that in some sort of language we can decipher?

Clareman · 25-06-2020 11:47am

yoshx wrote: »

just gonna share my 2 cents ,if they cant create a proper website that able to serve , why bother applying trough any of it ?

There is lack of resources or grey material to make this springboard website going, therefore anything is related to it is kind of obsolete.

Now lets say you got in and got your degree and your dream job with 100 k or more, you still just an homo sapiens with money and a job.

Congratulations You have Survived, whats is next ?

I would say you find more full filing life style away from all these super courses , educated people.

Good luck finding your ways

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.

Treepole · 25-06-2020 11:47am

There is no rush to get your application in so just relax and try the site tomorrow.

Clareman · 25-06-2020 11:49am

Prehaps if someone manages to get onto the site they might download the excel spreadsheet of all the courses and upload it here so people can have an idea of the courses that have been posted.

icanmunch · 25-06-2020 11:52am

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

25-06-2020 11:54am

Clareman wrote: »

Prehaps if someone manages to get onto the site they might download the excel spreadsheet of all the courses and upload it here so people can have an idea of the courses that have been posted.

Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

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