Tips to help you choose the right Springboard course

Springboard+ courses are a fantastic opportunity for people who are interested in upskilling and reskilling in areas where there is an identified skills need. All courses are quality assured, either recognised by or aligned to the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). This means that those who complete the courses can have confidence in the quality of the programmes and have the option to progress onto higher levels of qualifications at some stage if they so wish. The fact that they are either fully or heavily subsidised and are generally delivered using a form of blended learning, such as a mixture of on and off campus, online and distance learning, make them very accessible for applicants. Springboard+ courses are aimed at a variety of different people who meet the eligibility criteria. It’s a great opportunity for people who are employed (including self-employed), unemployed, those returning to the workplace and recent graduates.

Research and planning

With over 252 courses available for 2023-24, there’s something to suit a wide range of interests and personal circumstances. However, with so many choices, it can be overwhelming to know which course to pursue. According to Niamh, the most important factor to consider when choosing a Springboard+ course is the content of the course.

This means researching the modules carefully to ensure that the content is in an area of genuine interest. Otherwise, it will be hard to stay motivated to put in the work needed. This is an opportunity to really develop your skills and gain more in-depth knowledge in a particular aspect of a sector that interests you. It is worth making contact with the course provider directly to find out as much as possible about the course.

After researching the content of the course, it is important to consider the practicalities. This includes the duration of the course, the time commitment involved per week, and how to make that work with your present schedule. If there is some on-campus participation and activities, take into account distance and travel time. It is also very important to consider how you learn best. Some people find it easy to work online, while others feel more face-to-face teaching and learning works more effectively and so may like a course that has a blended delivery. Considering this will make the course work more manageable and enjoyable.

It is likely that you may also need to consider other commitments outside of the course, such as family life and work so it is very important to plan ahead and work out how to balance the workload. Find out as much as you can about the schedule of the course in terms of class time, recommended reading and suggested time for course work and assignments. Once you know this in advance, you can put together a weekly timetable which includes your work and family schedule, but also includes your course time.

Making the leap

It is natural to feel nervous about returning to education to do a Springboard+ course after a long time out of the classroom, particularly if you feel that you are limited in the formal qualifications you have achieved.

Firstly, remember you will not be the only one feeling nervous about it. Secondly, don't underestimate the value of your maturity and life experience which can contribute significantly to the learning that lies ahead. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. There is lots of it available from course providers who will guide you through how best to access course materials, approach and submit assessments. For people looking for a career change, but fearful of making the leap, Springboard+ is a good stepping stone to a new career.

The quote 'Feel the fear and do it anyway' comes to mind. It is natural to feel apprehensive about making career changes. My advice to anyone looking to make a change is to invest time in preparing and planning for it. It’s a process that takes time. Seek advice from someone who can help you to navigate the decision-making process and set reasonable goals which take into account your personal circumstances.

Above all else, be open to new opportunities, as sometimes they crop up when you least expect them. There is an element of chance in most decisions we make, but investing time and effort into reflecting on yourself and researching all your options, will help that process enormously.

Springboard+ courses are a fantastic way of changing direction as there are lots of conversion courses available, particularly in the areas of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Check out the entry requirements of courses of interest, as there are lots which do not require prior knowledge in specific areas.

Upskilling and reskilling are important in today’s working environment. Courses like Springboard+ help individuals gain the proficiency and aptitudes necessary to navigate sudden changes in the job market successfully. Change is constant in the world of work, both in terms of the creation of new jobs which didn't previously exist, but also how we work is also changing. Technological changes such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) are impacting significantly on workplaces currently and transforming work practices. We have never had access to so much information, so skills are needed to make sense of that data in the workplace and use it effectively.

Above all else, upskilling is good for us. Learning is lifelong and is not confined by or to our working lives. When we learn something new, it deepens our personal insight and perspective, while also enhancing our personal development.

For more details on courses available and to apply see - https://springboardcourses.ie/