What is it?

The Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 is a Government education fund aimed at reskilling and upskilling students to take up careers where skills are most needed in the Irish economy.

 Pillar 1 programmes are FREE for candidates who satisfy eligibility criteria.

Who is it for?

HCI Pillar 1 offers full-time conversion programmes to candidates (who hold a level 8 qualification or equivalent) to upskill for future job prosperity in areas such as; ICT, Engineering, Data Analytics and Technology. The fund is directed towards new graduates, those returning to education, professionals and unemployed candidates.

Graduates of these programmes can -

• Upskill or reskill in new sectors with attractive and secure job opportunities
• Increase earnings;
• Broaden  long-term career options;
• Take on a new and dynamic profession
• Be part of emerging technology sectors

Fees?

Candidates who satisfy the eligibility criteria under Springboard+ can qualify for 90% or 100% funding subject to the availability of places.

Employed and Recent Graduates

All employed candidates and recent graduates with a minimum level 8 in relevant area must pay a 10% contribution of the course cost directly to the provider for all level 7-9 courses.

Please note some formerly self-employed applicants not in receipt on DEASP payment are liable for 10% fees also.

Unemployed and Returner participants

Springboard+ will pay all fees for unemployed and returner participants

To clarify eligibility please go to https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility

Please note that Fees are subject to review

HCI Funded Conversion Course list:

September Intake
Faculty Course Title  Level Status Available
Kemmy Business School  Agile Business Analysis - (Graduate Diploma) 9 Open Full-time
Science and Engineering Digitalisation of Business and Industry Processes - (Professional Diploma) 9 Open Part-time
Science and Engineering Environmental Science - (Higher Diploma) 8 Open Full-time
Kemmy Business School Sustainable Work - (Professional Diploma) 9 Open Part-time
Science and Engineering Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence - (Postgraduate Diploma) 9 Open Full-time
Science and Engineering Edge Computing - (Postgraduate Diploma) 9 Open Full-time
Science and Engineering Energy Science and Engineering - (Postgraduate Graduate Diploma) 9 Open Full-time


Springboard+/HCI funded places are in high demand and fill up quickly. To prepare for your Springboard+ application and to learn more about funding options go to:

How to apply for a funded place