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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD has officially launched the Springboard+ 2025 programme, announcing almost 8,000 free and subsidised places on higher education courses. The initiative offers thousands of opportunities for people across Ireland to upskill or reskill, with a strong focus on 'futureproofing' careers in a rapidly evolving job market. Announcing this year's programme, Minister Lawless said: "Springboard+ is one of the most impactful investments this Government makes in the further education of its people. These courses are designed to respond directly to evolving skills demands, particularly in fast-growing and high-impact sectors. It offers thousands of learners the chance to upskill or reskill in areas where Ireland needs talent, from artificial intelligence to infrastructure planning to cybersecurity. "As Minister, I'm proud to support Springboard+ with €34.4 million from the National Training Fund. This programme empowers people to study alongside work and personal commitments with courses that are heavily subsidised or free, making upskilling more accessible and achievable for everyone. I encourage everyone to look at what is available as whether you're advancing in your current career, pivoting to a new one, or stepping onto the career ladder for the first time, Springboard+ is designed to open doors in an affordable, flexible way that has real career impact." This year, courses are available in areas such as Infrastructure planning, Sustainable Building, Renewable Energy, Digital Skills, Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence. Two-thirds of people considering a Springboard+ course want to 'futureproof their careers' in an ever-changing workplace. That's according to research published today by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The Springboard+ programme is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and in 2025, a total of 7,719 places are available on 249 courses delivered by 37 higher education institutes nationwide. Springboard+ is making 26 'micro-credentials' from this course list available for those interested in shorter courses to upskill in very specific areas. Speaking about this year's programme, Dr Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics at the Higher Education Authority, said: "There are many reasons to consider a Springboard+ course, but the two key benefits are the cost and the quality. "If you're eligible to apply for a full- or part-time Springboard+ course, the most you'll pay is 10% of the fees. If you're currently out of work, you'll be 100% subsidised through the Springboard+ programme. The micro-credentials courses, which last around 12 weeks, are 50% subsidised for all participants. "And in terms of the quality of the course and the qualification at the end of it - courses range from Certificate (Level 6) to Masters (Level 9) on the National Framework of Qualifications and are delivered by the best public and private higher education providers around the country." Sean McCaffrey, from Dundalk, spent 16 years in the Irish Defence Forces before completing a Certificate in Procurement Management from University College Cork and a Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in Business from Technological University Dublin. He now works for Iarnród Éireann. "I left school at 18 without completing my Leaving Certificate. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, so I joined the Irish Defence Forces, where I spent 16 years. After leaving, I decided to pursue my first Springboard+ course - a Certificate in Procurement Management from University College Cor,k after which I was offered a job in Iarnród Éireann - a job I wouldn't have been in the running for only for my Springboard+ course. "I saw tangible benefits immediately, so it was a no-brainer to start a level nine Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in Business from...
The conversation continues at Knob Hill Landscape Company's Old Jacksonville Road site with owner Landon Kirby and Derek Rapp of Rapp Construction, then Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kim Johnson and Tom Madonia Jr. stop in studio with details on this Saturday's FA 5K for Charity in downtown Springfield as the show continues from Lake Springfield Marina, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The guys continue the conversation at Landmark Ford East with GM Jay Gaydosh, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray is the guest host as State Sen. Steve McClure and County Administrator Brian McFadden stop in followed by Wellness Wednesday with Dr. Sean McCaffrey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zach Kerker is today's guest host as he visits with former Congressman Rodney Davis, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hour 3 from CDS Office Technologies features visits with owner Mark Watson and IT Director Ed Camacho discussing artificial intelligence, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jim Leach and Mitchell Ladd with the Spencer Theatre Company preview this weekend's production of "Death of a Salesman" at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The show continues at Peerless Cleaning and Restoration as Jon Broeker visits with Sam with an update on his son, National Football League player Nick Broeker, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BOS Bank Shot is underway as the show visits Bank of Springfield on Wabash Avenue, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jodi Ogilvy of Hope previews a fundraiser and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Barry Friedman and Debbie Thompson preview Saturday's St. Patrick's Day Parade and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Staff Carpet on Browning Road and Veterans Parkway hosts the show as the conversation continues with John Staff and Mark Forinash, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The annual auction for Blessed Sacrament School is this Saturday at the parish (bssbruins.org) as the show visits the Laurel Street campus as Principal Nicole Kuhlman stops by, then Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Abigail Smith previews this year's Girl Scout Cookie sale (getyourgirlpower.org) and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former State Rep. Tim Butler, who now heads the Illinois Railroad Association, visits with guest hosts Ward 7 Ald. Brad Carlson and Ward 10 Ald. Ralph Hanauer, then Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The guest host stint for Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher winds down with Brandon Doherty of Scheels Sports Park, and Alaina Beaird of HDR Engineering with Brandy Stabler of Compass for Kids, followed by Dr. Sean McCaffrey with Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brandy Stabler of Compass for Kids talks about the organization and a Lake Clubs chili fundraiser to benefit Camp Compass, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The show continues from Peerless Cleaning and Restoration on South Grand Avenue as realtor Melissa Vorreyer of Re/Max chats with Sam about the local real estate market, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Darin and Greg recap a busy news and sports day and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The show visits Chatham at Villas of Holly Brook as resident Dee Lewis and Executive Director Theresa Schriber talk about the assisted living facility, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rev. Dr. Tony Stang and Randy Wells of Central Baptist Church talk about plans for this Thanksgiving's annual Feast of Plenty, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ashley's Gaming Parlor on Peoria Road hosts the show as owner Mike Shipman chats with Sam and Greg, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Candidate for 95th District state representative, Kristen Chiaro, discusses her background with Sam, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The show continues from Staff Carpet during the Friends and Family Sale as Kim Staff chats with Sam and Jay Shanle previews a Downtown Springfield Inc. event, then Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs calls in about the Enhanced Money Match/ICASH program and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Wooden It Be Lovely Little House of Hope Raffle is the subject of today's show as Staff Carpet hosts the show at the grand prize house on Dial Ct. (tickets here) with guests Jamie Llosa of Don Smith Paint and WIBL graduate and supervisor Megan Murray, then Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The show continues at the offices of The Kyle Killebrew Team of The Real Estate Group and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Landmark Ford hosts the show at the Prairie Crossing Drive showroom as Deb Martin, Brad Dunn and Kim Egiizi Materra preview events in October for Jared's Keepers teen suicide prevention efforts, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michelle Feurer of Springfield Clinic says it's time for flu vaccines as fall approaches and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jerry Curry stops in to preview next week's appearance by the Pine Mountain Logs/Venice to benefit the Mary Bryant Home, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Josh Cox previews an upcoming Alzheimers Walk and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Julie Henderson and Billy Monnett preview a fundraiser for the Land of Lincoln Pink Warriors through Win, Lose or Draught, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Actor and businesswoman Claudia Wells (Jennifer Parker, Marty McFly's girlfriend, in "Back to the Future") previews her visit to this weekend's Powerlight Abe Lincoln Car Show at Cherry Hills Church, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Summer Splash Sale winds down at Staff Carpet as the show visits the Browning Road showroom with John Staff, his eight-year-old grandson and Jack Robertson, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood calls in from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marcus Bates of Illinois United Track and Field talks about the youth club and its success, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rod Buffington previews a baseball art exhibit at Springfield Art Association and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hour 3 from Staff Carpet includes more conversation with Cafe Moxo owner Mark Forinash with Sam, John Staff and Jack Robertson, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The show heads to Prairie Crossing Drive at Landmark Ford where GM Jeff Borski chats with Sam, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2:32 Georgia Southern Athletics announces Hall of Fame Class of 20245:27 Former Football long snapper Ryan Langan wins 3rd straight title with the Birmingham Stallions6:14 Nine Eagles named to Phil Steele Publications preseason All Sun Belt Conference Teams8:06 Women's Tennis head coach Sean McCaffrey talks about the ITA's Summer Series coming to Statesboro in July & the tennis evolution taking place at Georgia Southern16:56 Women's Basketball head coach Hana Haden talks about putting her 1st team together & the excitement of earning her 1st Division I head coaching jobSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Rail Golf Course is the site of today's show and the 39th Caddyshack Open as Bank of Springfield hosts the guys with Ashlynn Beasley, John Staff and Claire Knoedler, followed by Wellness Wednesday with Dr. Sean McCaffrey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bedrock Materials on North Dirksen Parkway hosts the guys on Customer Appreciation Day as owner Sherry Furman introduces us to some of her grandchildren, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The show continues from Landmark Ford on Prairie Crossing Drive as Christi Walden drops in to preview the opening Thursday of the Levitt AMP Springfield outdoor concert series, and Landmark GM Jeff Borski talks with Sam before Dr. Sean McCaffrey takes over for Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The show continues from Staff Carpet with Kim Staff, Jack Robertson, Sam and Greg, then Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The conversation continues from Cafe Moxo with Tim McAnarney discussing the legislative session as Mark Forinash, John Staff and Jack Robertson join in, then Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Downtown Elkhart is the site of today's show at Route 66 Model Raceway as owner Mark Moughan chats with Sam about the slot car track and dragway and hobby shop, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The show concludes with Country Financial Representatives Andrew Harby, Mike O'Brien, Jake Surratt and Duane Schmedeke from Andrew's office on Wabash Avenue as Andrew and Mike chat with Sam, and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Patrick McConnell, Terry Lucas and Jane Hartman preview the Catholic Charities dinner and auction on May 4 at the Knights of Columbus Council 364 (complete with live musical interlude), and Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2:01 Women's Rifle defeats #10 Murray State/#18 UT Martin to open Spring while breaking multiple school records3:33 Indoor Track & Field posts 6 Top 5 finishes @ Gamecock Opener4:34 Men's Tennis falls @ Miami/FAU4:55 Swimming & Diving drops narrow Senior Day meet to FGCU5:30 Women's Tennis opens Spring this weekend @ Stetson/Bethune-Cookman w/comments from head coach Sean McCaffrey (6:00)7:53 Women's Basketball handles App St but loses to ODU to end homestand - visits JMU/App St this weekend10:22 Men's Basketball outlasted by Marshall, dropped by Georgia St to end road trip w/post-game comments from head coach Charlie Henry (12:14 & 16:45) - hosts Coastal/Georgia St this weekend22:51 Conversation w/GS Hall of Famer Michael Curry on his playing/coaching career & memories of Hanner FieldhouseSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.