TUS receives over €5m for Springboard+ upskilling initiatives
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has secured €5.27 million in Springboard+ funding, affirming its position as a leading provider of flexible, lifelong learning opportunities.
TUS offers 24 programmes in a variety of subjects and will continue to deliver courses providing people with the opportunity to reskill and upskill from September.
Courses offering Level 6 to 9 qualifications are funded under the programme and are available in areas such as Engineering & Built Environment, Business, Management & Leadership, Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, Sustainability & Green Economy, Aviation & Aircraft Leasing, Culinary Arts, ICT and Digital Transformation.
The funding announcement positions TUS as one of Ireland’s foremost institutions in responding to national and regional skills needs, particularly across the Midlands and Midwest.
Springboard+ is a government initiative aimed at supporting those in employment, as well as returners and jobseekers, to access higher education in priority sectors aligned with the National Skills Strategy and the Future Jobs Ireland framework.
TUS’s allocation, representing approximately 10% of the national Springboard programme, underscores its continued leadership in flexible higher education.
Dean of Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning at TUS Dr Michael Tobin said: "This funding reflects our deep commitment to meeting the skills demands of our regions and beyond. Each approved programme has been designed in close collaboration with industry partners, ensuring our learners gain relevant, applied knowledge with real employment impact. Our delivery model—online, part-time, and flexible—ensures accessibility for learners balancing work, family, and study."
Programmes will be delivered part-time with blended and online options designed to support learners wherever they are based.
Dean of Flexible & Work-Based Learning Seamus Hoyne said: "Springboard+ is not just an investment in education, it’s an investment in Ireland’s future economy. At TUS, we are proud to play a pivotal role in that transformation by enabling people to upskill in ways that work for them wherever they are, and whatever their background."
In line with government priorities, several of TUS’s approved programmes focus on sustainability and digital transformation, contributing to the delivery of Climate Action Plan targets and Ireland’s Digital Strategy. TUS’s ability to secure this level of funding is a testament to the strength of its academic teams, regional partnerships, and data-led programme design.
TUS continues to engage extensively with employers, public sector agencies, and communities to ensure Springboard+ courses not only meet immediate skills gaps, but also foster long-term career mobility.
As TUS expands its national role in professional and lifelong learning, Springboard+ remains a cornerstone of its mission to deliver responsive, high-quality education across the Midlands, Midwest and beyond.
Applications for Springboard+ programmes are open now and more information can be found at www.springboardcourses.ie or at http://tus.ie/flexible