Navigating a career crossroads can be tricky for several reasons. You might ask yourself “how can I progress further in my current role? What industry do I want to work in? Do I have the right skills to switch roles? Can I afford to return to education if required?”. If you have asked yourself any of these questions, then a Springboard+ programme may be a suitable solution for you!
The Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) initiatives offer courses free of charge to those who are currently unemployed or for 10% of the course fee for those who are working. These initiatives address skills shortages in the workforce and are funded by the government to improve Ireland's ability to fill job vacancies.
So, whether you are looking to advance to a more senior role in your existing company or are interested in changing your job path entirely by entering a new industry, a Springboard+ programme can help facilitate this change by providing you with the skills and knowledge required to make the move.
We’ve outlined just some of the reasons below as to how a Springboard+ programme can help facilitate a career change for those who are interested, check them out!
Skill Development
No matter what your goals are when you reach your career crossroads, one thing for certain is that you will need to have the appropriate skills and knowledge to help you take the next step. Ensuring your skills are up-to-date and relevant will help make you a more attractive prospect when applying for new roles.
Springboard+ programmes at NCI can help you develop new skills or upskill further in certain areas thanks to our team of expert lecturers. Our School of Computing faculty are constantly reacting to the changing needs and development in the ICT sector, using innovative educational strategies to provide our students with relevant, up-to-date knowledge and information. Whether students have experience in the computing industry or are completely new to it, during their time in NCI they will learn the important skills needed to bring real value to their organisations.
Industry-Relevant Qualification
Springboard+ programmes are designed to meet the ever-growing need for deep skills in Ireland. This ensures that upon graduating, students from these programmes are equipped with skills that are urgently required, making them attractive hires for companies crying out for industry experts.
If switching industries entirely is your decision at your crossroads, then holding an in-demand qualification, such as Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Cybersecurity or Data Analytics, will help your transition run more smoothly than if you were to enter a new industry with little to no knowledge. You will be able to immediately make an impact in your new role with the insights you have gathered from the academic research, industry defined practical problems, and case studies you have encountered on your programme.
Networking Opportunities
Springboard+ programmes provide excellent opportunities to meet like-minded individuals who are also looking to upskill or develop new skills in innovative industries.
Whether it be from working on a group project or simply chatting online about your studies, these encounters can be valuable for future job opportunities and collaborations as well as idea sharing, which can benefit you in your current or future roles.
Financial Savings
Switching career paths can be tricky for several reasons, not least the financial element of it. New skills require significant training, and this usually comes at a cost, which some individuals may not be able to afford.
A benefit of Springboard+ programmes is that they are offered at an impressive discount, allowing them to be accessed by those who may not have previously been able to. Everyone can apply for a Springboard+ programme regardless of their employment status. The courses remain free of charge for people who are currently unemployed and for applicants in employment, there will be a fee of 10% of the contribution to the normal course fee.
For example, individuals who are in employment and interested in the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web Development) at NCI will only have to pay €540. That represents incredible value for a 1 year programme which brings quickly and effectively brings participants to the graduate standard in this area.
Adaptability
Continuous learning is crucial in today's ever changing job market. Roles in the areas of cybersecurity, data analytics and software development to name just a few, are constantly adapting and evolving, meaning those who wish to build a career in these industries, need to stay on top of the game.
Completing a Springboard+ programme demonstrates a commitment to staying current and relevant in your field and highlights your ability to adapt to new technologies and trends. This adaptability and desire to continuously improve your skillset are highly attractive qualities to potential employers, increasing your employability and helping you stand out from the crowd when the time comes to enter the job market.
When you are ready to take the next step in your career, NCI will be here to help. We offer a wide range of Springboard+ courses designed to deepen your understanding of industries and roles, as well equipping you with new skills and techniques. Visit our Springboard+ courses page to learn more.
