Hundreds of free courses are available to help individuals improve their skills and job prospects in the coming months. Whether employed or unemployed, opportunities exist for upskilling and reskilling, regardless of educational background.
Why Upskill or Reskill?
Individuals may choose to upskill or reskill for career advancement, to formalize experience, or to become more competitive in the job market. It’s important to approach skill development with a lifelong learning mindset to remain employable in a dynamic work environment.
What Skills Are in Demand?
Forbes identified digital and data literacy, creativity, curiosity, and leadership as key skills for the next decade. In Ireland, a National Skills Bulletin from Solas found that business and administration skills – including project management, customer service, and quality standards – were most frequently requested in 2022, followed by ICT skills and personal development skills like teamwork and communication.
Considering Your Time Commitment
It’s important to realistically assess the time available for coursework. Options range from short introductory courses to longer, more detailed programs.
Learning Preferences
Individuals can determine their preferred learning style – whether face-to-face interaction or self-led online learning – by taking a learning styles quiz.
Higher Education Qualifications
The Springboard+ programme offers free and subsidized college courses at certificate, degree, and master’s levels in areas with employment opportunities. Courses are also available to meet priority skills needs.
Resources for Finding Courses
A government website divides skills and retraining courses into categories including free training for employees and PLC courses. Skills Connect offers free training and upskilling courses, potentially including work placements, for those who have lost their jobs or seek new opportunities. Applications are made directly to the Skillnet business network delivering the course.
The Back to Education Initiative provides part-time education programs for young people and adults, allowing them to balance learning with other responsibilities. eCollege is a government-funded online training facility with a range of courses available. Skills to Compete offers free reskilling and retraining courses focused on employability.
Skills to Advance provides subsidized upskilling and reskilling opportunities for employees in changing jobs or vulnerable sectors, aiming to improve career progression. These programs are free, 35 hours in duration, and flexible.
A range of short courses are available for upskilling in retrofitting, with options for construction workers and those with limited experience. Many existing further education courses have also been updated to include green skills modules.
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