NCI Blog

Data analysis is an area of great opportunity and there is increasing demand for people with these skills in the jobs market, both here in Ireland and internationally.

Dr Anu Sahni from NCI's School of Computing recently hosted a webinar focusing on the area of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, giving participants a taste of what it would be like to study the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing specialising in AI/ML.

The Higher Diploma in Computing specialising in Blockchain offered through Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) starts in January 2021. This one-year course is offered free of charge to those who are unemployed and at a reduced rate of 10% of the course fee to those who are currently in employment (the student contribution fee for this course is €540).

Business Analysts play a key role in developing solutions and ideas to improve the performance of businesses. With COVID-19 currently reshaping businesses and livelihoods, becoming a Business Analyst will give you the opportunity to demonstrate the value of your analytical skills and the contribution you can bring to your employer.

At National College of Ireland, we have a number of courses available under both Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) which are free of charge for people who are currently unemployed or for 10% of the course fee for applicants who are in employment. These initiatives address skills shortages in the workforce and so are funded by the government to improve Ireland's ability to fill job vacancies.

In June 2023, The Government announced 11,000 free and subsidised higher education places under both Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) which includes a number of specialised computing courses in data analytics, cybersecurity, software development, blockchain, artificial intelligence and machine learning at National College of Ireland.

Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics graduate, Darren Malone, shares his experience of studying at National College of Ireland through the Springboard+ scheme along with his advice for anyone considering a career change.

At NCI we have a number of courses enrolling for this September that are available to those who are employed for just 10% of the normal course fee. The other 90% is funded by the Springboard+ initiative. These courses are all run part-time in the evening and weekend, and some are totally online.

Irish companies are being presented with an opportunity to fill IT skills gaps in their workforce without charge, by enrolling staff members on free, degree-level courses at National College of Ireland under the HEA ICT Skills programme.

Today’s announcement by the Department of Education & Skills of a further allocation of free part-time courses will come as welcome news to those who are currently considering a career change.