48 Springboard+/Human Capital Initiative Upskilling Courses Offered by Atlantic TU

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is offering 48 Springboard+/HCI funded courses across its campuses in Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Sligo in Science, Technology, Engineering and Business disciplines under the 2023 Springboard+/HCI Pillar 1 Programmes, unveiled Monday (5th June, 2023), by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris, TD and Minister of State at the Department, Niall Collins, TD.

Co-funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the European Union, the Atlantic TU approved courses are free for unemployed or returning participants for all levels and for all participants on Further Education (L6) programmes. For those in employment or self-employed L6 programmes are fully funded and there is 90% funding available for participants opting to study ordinary degree (L7), honours degree/higher diploma (L8) or postgraduate (L9) level courses.

Atlantic Technological University has received funding from HEA/Springboard+ since 2011 to design and deliver a range of upskilling courses in key growth areas including Biopharmaceutical Science, Quality, Engineering, Computing & Information Technology, and Construction. The 48 ATU Springboard+/HCI courses will be delivered across the university’s campuses in Donegal, Sligo, Mayo and Galway, with many delivered part-time, online and offering a flexible learning approach.

Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University, says: “We welcome the launch of our Springboard courses by Ministers Harris and Collins. Our university is a leader in developing and delivering online education programmes. ATU is offering an array of courses addressing the needs of industry in the region and nationally including courses in culinary skills, computing and biopharma. Many of these courses are also reflective of our changing world including courses in cyber security, industrial automation and health informatics. They have been designed for learners who want to study part time at a pace that matches their work/life balance."

ATU Sligo student, James McDonnell said: ““During my pharmacy degree, I discovered the perfect opportunity to delve further: the Level 8 Biopharmaceutical Science programme at ATU Sligo, in collaboration with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), offered through Springboard. This engaging course expertly addressed the complexities of delivering quality, safe, and effective bioproducts, while adhering to regulatory standards. The dedicated lecturers from ATU Sligo and NIBRT made the online learning environment both flexible and structured. Throughout the course, the staff at ATU Sligo, NIBRT, and Springboard provided unwavering support, solidifying my passion for a career in biopharmaceutics. For anyone looking to enter or advance in this field, I wholeheartedly recommend the Biopharmaceutical Science programme at ATU Sligo.”

ATU Galway student, Karol Skowronski said: “I have got my master’s degree in electrical engineering abroad twenty years ago. I have been working in and around that area since then, but my curiosity about science, especially the world of engineering has made me to continuously look for, and learn new skills, from other disciplines. When I found the Bachelor of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering course at ATU Galway, I felt that this might satisfy my needs. Moreover, it is a Part-Time course, delivered in blended format. I was able to continue my fulltime work, have my family life, and study at the same time. All lectures were delivered online, and recorded, for those who could not attend the class, or wanted to watch them again at convenient time. Laboratories were organized on-site, on Saturdays, every five weeks. Studying for that degree involved hard work and commitment, but it was an incredibly worthwhile year. I hope to pursue with Honours Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering at ATU Galway in the next academic year”.

ATU Donegal student, Sarah Brown said: “The Springboard+ Certificate in Culinary Skills is a fantastic stepping stone for an exciting career as a chef. Through the course, I gained a summary of the basic practical and theoretical skills associated with both dessert and hot kitchen work. We also covered basic computer skills, writing for academic work and presentation skills. These have all helped massively as I have progressed further in my academic learning. Taking a part-time course made my career transition less overwhelming and made working full-time alongside the course entirely feasible.”

Many of the Atlantic TU courses are delivered part-time, with the majority fully online or blended and are completed within one or two years.  Springboard+ is now accepting applications for courses starting in September 2023 and January 2024.  Applications can be made on the Springboard+/HCI website: www.springboardcourses.ie.

Further course details are available through the ATU website at www.atu.ie/springboard