At National College of Ireland, we believe that lifelong learning can enable and empower people to work towards goals that can be lifechanging. As part of the College’s mission to ”change lives through education,” NCI offers a number of free courses through the Springboard+ initiative.
First launched in 2011 as part of the Government’s Job Initiative, Springboard enables jobseekers to up-skill and/or re-skill in areas that have been identified as sectors where there are job opportunities available. By enabling job seekers to meet industry needs, skill shortages are being addressed, and employees can step into roles that they may have previously not been able to apply for.
Ranging from level 6 to level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), Springboard courses cover a broad range of subjects such as ICT, hospitality, manufacturing, and international financial services. Most courses offer work placements, allowing students to continue to gain work experience and up-skill their CV as they gain new qualifications.
Springboard+ at NCI
At National College of Ireland, there are a wide range of courses available that cover subjects such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and computing.
To learn more about the Springboard+ courses available for September 2025, please see our Springboard+ brochure.
The following Springboard+ funded courses starting in September 2025 are now open for applications, for further information, click on the links below:
Upcoming Events
At our upcoming events, you will have the opportunity to chat to lecturers, experience the online classroom, and ask any questions you may have regarding the courses at NCI, including the Springboard+ programmes starting in September 2025. Our upcoming events include sample classes, and open evenings that will take place either online or on campus. Details are listed below.
Springboard+ Online Sample Class: Computing Specialisations
Springboard+ Online Sample Class: Data Analytics
Open Evening Events
Who can apply?
Springboard+ courses are open to everyone regardless of employment status.
Courses are free of charge for people currently unemployed. Applicants currently in employment will have to pay a 10% fee of the normal course fee.
To learn more about eligibility criteria, visit the Springboard + website.
Graduate testimonies
David Fortune, a graduate who studied on the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Software Development) stated, “I’d urge anyone considering going back to college to take the plunge and check out NCI’s Springboard+ Courses in computing. You won’t regret it!”
Another NCI graduate, Clare Grogan, who studied on the Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics stated, “As I moved through the programme, I gained skills and experience in statistical methods and technologies such as SQL which I really enjoyed. I highly recommend applying for the course at NCI through the Springboard+ website for anyone with an interest in this area.”
How to apply
Springboard+ course applications are processed on the Springboard+ website. To get started, register your details on the website then click the Apply Now button on your chosen course page. Enter your details in all the required fields and when complete, click the apply button.
Please note that Springboard can only be accessed within Ireland. Company servers and VPN can also give the appearance that users are attempting to access the site from outside the country.
You will be able to login at any stage to check the status of your application. Further details are available on the How to Apply section on the Springboard+ website.
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. For more information about EU Funds please visit www.EUFunds.ie.
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