Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has announced funding of €9.7m to subsidise fees for 13,879 learners across 654 micro-credential courses.
Micro-credential courses are designed to meet the evolving needs of learners, businesses and society in Ireland. Their inherent flexibility allows learners to access education in small, manageable units, accommodating their life and work commitments.
The Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy offers a subsidy rate of 80% for courses addressing skills in priority areas such as renewable energy, sustainability and cyber security. Other courses will provide a 50% learner subsidy rate.
Some topics covered in the range of courses include digital marketing, digital content production and sustainability for SMEs.
“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,” said Minister Harris.
“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.”
Dr Vivienne Patterson from the Higher Education Authority added: “These micro-credential courses offer incentivised life-long learning opportunities for learners, and for employers to upskill their staff in a flexible, bite-sized format.”