Mayo ATU Campus included in Springboard+ funding for over 40 courses

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is offering over 40 Springboard+ funded courses across its campuses in Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Sligo under the 2026 Springboard+ Programmes initiative.

Launched by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, TD, the applications opened yesterday.

Co-funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the European Social Fund, ATU’s 40+ courses are free for unemployed or returning participants at all levels and for all applicants on Level 6 programmes.

For those in employment or self-employed, Level 6 programmes are typically fully funded, with some micro-credentials funded at 50%, while 90% - 100% funding is available for learners undertaking an ordinary degree (Level 7), honours degree/higher diploma (Level 8) or postgraduate (Level 9) courses.

ATU has received Springboard+ funding annually since 2011 to design and deliver a wide range of upskilling opportunities in key growth sectors including Biopharmaceutical Science, Electric Vehicle Technology, Blockchain, Conservation and Construction.

The 40+ ATU Springboard+ courses will be delivered across the university’s campuses in Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Sligo, with many delivered part-time and online to support flexible learning.

Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University said: “We welcome the launch of the Springboard+ course list for the 2026/27 academic year by Minister Lawless.

"ATU’s impressive suite of subsidised Springboard+ courses reflect our ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and the employability of our students.

"Our university continues to develop and deliver courses that respond to evolving industry needs, both regionally and nationally, across a broad range of disciplines, including Business, Marketing, Engineering, Computing, Environmental Science, Life Sciences and Health.

"Our Springboard+ courses also respond to the needs of individuals looking to upskill, with flexible, part-time options designed to accommodate personal and professional commitments.”

ATU Biopharmaceutical Processing student Paul Ryan changed direction from his career as a plumber, when he took on a job at a biotech facility.

“At 17 I began working as an apprentice plumber but was never fully satisfied. Later I took a job as site security in a biotech facility, where I was introduced to biopharmaceutical manufacturing for the first time.

"My curiosity grew, the more questions I asked, the more interested I became. I decided to study biopharma, discovered Springboard+ and registered for L6 Biopharmaceutical Processing course.

"The course content was fascinating. With one certificate I was now heavily invested in career change and further study, so I registered for L7 Biopharmaceutical Processing and soon after I secured a role in biologics.

"My work/life balance has improved dramatically, with increased pay, and work in an amazing industry with great people.

"Discovering Springboard has changed my life and will continue to do so going forward”

Geoff Carolan was a full-time parent, wanting to return to working in IT and decided to upskill in AI and Blockchain.

He stated: “Before commencing Springboard+ I was a full-time parent with some previous industry experience and several smaller IT certifications.

"I chose a Springboard+ course to re/upskill for better job opportunities and to better understand emerging technologies like AI and Blockchain.

"What stood out most was the support from the ATU lecturers, they were professional, knowledgeable, and always able to answer my questions or share real-world insights. Their support made me feel encouraged and supported throughout the course which greatly contributed to my success”.

Many ATU Springboard+ courses are delivered part-time, with the majority fully online or in blended format. Most can be completed within one year.

Springboard+ is now accepting applications for courses starting in September 2026.

Applications can be submitted on the Springboard+ website: https://springboardcourses.ie.

Further course details are available through the ATU website at www.atu.ie/springboard