Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins welcomed Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD announcement offunding of €9.7 million to subsidise micro-cred courses as part of Year of Skills across Ireland’s higher education sector. 27 of the new courses will be based in SETU.
The Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy, under the HCI Pillar 3, offers a subsidy rate of 80 per cent for courses addressing skills in key priority areas, including renewable energy, sustainability, construction and planning, artificial intelligence, cyber security, ICT, and electronic engineering. Other courses will provide a 50 per cent learner subsidy rate.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “As part of the Year of Skills, we have been encouraging everyone to learn a new skill so they can evolve in line with how the world of work is changing.
“While traditional degree programmes are essential, they may not always be the right option to equip individuals with the targeted, up-to-date skills required in the modern workplace.Micro-credentials bridge this gap, offering a flexible and accessible solution to empower individuals in excelling in their chosen fields. These subsidies are a fantastic opportunity for individuals to access micro-credential courses at reduced rates, providing flexible learning and upskilling opportunities for learners and enterprises alike.
Micro-credential courses, designed to meet the evolving needs of learners, enterprises, and society, offer small, accredited programs awarding between 1 and 30 ECTS and provide awards at Levels 6-9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Senator Cummins stated: “The Micro-Credential courses is an extra learning avenue that is making education more accessible. The courses align with the priorities outlined as part of Housing for All and the Government’s Climate Action Plan, meaning they importantly cover critical areas such as emerging technologies, construction, climate/sustainability and energy. Offering learning opportunities to help people find their passion while also upskilling our workforce, making our country a better place to live, learn and do business in.”
Senator Cummins concluded: “The courses approved are available from March 2024 to October 2025. Detailed information on the approved micro-credential courses funded under the HCI Pillar 3, Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy and how to apply can be found on the HEA website www.hea.ie”