Limerick university awarded over €5 million to lead 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.

With 24 programmes approved across disciplines including digital transformation, sustainability, health, and engineering, TUS will continue to deliver upskilling and reskilling pathways commencing September 2025.

This announcement positions TUS as one of Ireland’s foremost institutions in responding to national and regional skills needs, particularly across the Midlands and Mid-West.

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.

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The 2025 call received 619 submissions nationally, with 250 courses funded across 38 institutions. TUS’ allocation representing approximately 10 per cent of the national Springboard programme, underscores its continued leadership in flexible higher education.

Dr Michael Tobin, Dean of Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning at TUS, welcomed the announcement, saying:

"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."

Among the funded offerings are Level 6 to 9 qualifications 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. Programmes will be delivered part-time with blended and online options designed to support learners wherever they are based.

Dean of Flexible and Work-Based Learning, Seamus Hoyne added:

"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’ approved programmes focus on sustainability and digital transformation, contributing to the delivery of Climate Action Plan targets and Ireland’s Digital Strategy. TUS’ ability to secure this level of funding is a testament to the strength of its academic teams, regional partnerships, and data-led programme design.

The third-level institution 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.

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, Mid-West and beyond. 

Applications for Springboard+ Programmes open on Tuesday June 3 on www.springboardcourses.ie.