Free & 90% Funded Programmes under Springboard Initiative
The Springboard initiative is now open for applicants commencing programmes in September 2022 and all applicants can now receive funding towards their programme whether in employment or actively seeking employment
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, via the National Training Fund, and the European Union. Human Capital Initiative Pillar 1 is funded by the National Training Fund. Springboard+ provides free higher education courses in areas of identified skills needs to unemployed people, those previously self-employed and those returning to work.
How much does the programme cost?
Courses will be free for employed people on NFQ Level 6 courses. For employed participants on courses NFQ level 7 – 9, 90% of the course fee will be funded by the Government, with participants required to contribute just 10% of the fee.
Will the programme affect my social welfare benefits?
The programme has no effect on a candidate’s social welfare benefits.
Candidates who wish to participate in Springboard + 2021 will find full details on the approved courses on the dedicated information and applications website springboardcourses.ie
Springboard + at NIBRT
NIBRT programmes are specifically designed to meet the requirements of the biopharmaceutical industry and the job seeking candidate including:
- A strong track record of NIBRT candidates obtaining employment in the pharma / biopharma sector
- Hands-on practical placements in NIBRT’s award winning facilities to provide candidates with the practical skills and experience required by Industry.
- Modules in career support and development.
- Instructors with extensive experience in training the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Placements in Industry for top performing Springboard graduates.
Current Springboard Courses
This programme will furnish scientists and engineers with a comprehensive grounding in biopharma-related aspects of Industry 4.0, with a specific focus on digital technologies.
It will ensure that graduates have sufficient skills and knowledge to collect, analyse, and interpret bioindustry data and will enable them to provide support for working within the biopharmaceutical-based industries and to be able to adapt to meet the current and future needs of the industries, particularly relating to Bioindustry 4.0. The programme is aimed at manufacturing, quality, engineering and site management personnel who are looking to increase their understanding and application of the latest digital trends and technologies in the Bioindustry 4.0 field.
Course Information
| NFQ Level | 9 |
| Provider | NIBRT/ATU |
| Delivery | Blended |
| Duration | 9 months |
| Application closing date | 12th August 2022 |
An objective of this postgraduate programme is to help support new facilities and extensions with commissioning, qualification and validation work before manufacturing can commence. This programme presents a pathway for qualified graduates who wish to pursue a career in commissioning and validation.
This postgraduate certificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge required to be involved in the commissioning of equipment and utilities used in biopharmaceutical plants. It will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to perform commissioning of a bioprocessing plant, and the equipment related to the biotechnology industry.
This course is particularly suited to individuals who are looking to enter the commissioning and validation space in the (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. The programme will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges in the commissioning of biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. As a result, graduates can look forward to a wide range of career opportunities in a large and growing industry.
Course Information
| NFQ Level | 9 |
| Provider | NIBRT/ATU |
| Delivery | Blended |
| Duration | 9 months |
| Application closing date | 12th August 2022 |
This programme has been developed in consultation with the biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland to ensure the course offers the skills and experience that is required for this industry sector in Ireland.
The programme offers the skills and knowledge required for people wishing to move into the biopharmaceutical sector, particularly in aseptic processing and sterile filling operations.
Course modules including Biocontamination Control, Sterile Operations, Cleanroom Design and Sterilisation Technologies will provide learners with a thorough understanding of cleanrooms including their utilisation, design, regulation and impacts of contamination.
Course Information
| NFQ Level | 6 |
| Provider | NIBRT/ATU |
| Delivery | Blended |
| Duration | 9 months |
| Application closing date | 12th August 2022 |
This certificate programme has been developed in consultation with the biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland to ensure the course offers the skills and experience that is required for this industry sector.
The modules offered in this programme include Upstream Processing, Downstream Processing, Sterile Fill Finish and Bioanalytics. These modules have been developed in consultation with the biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland to ensure the course offers the skills and experience that is required for those seeking employment in biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations.
The course is designed to introduce current manufacturing processes, good manufacturing practices and current industry trends to the participants. The course is aimed at process operators, technicians, technologists, and production team leaders, primarily seeking employment or wishing to upskill in the bioprocessing and cleanroom areas.
Course Information
| NFQ Level | 6 |
| Provider | NIBRT/ATU |
| Delivery | Blended |
| Duration | 9 months |
| Application closing date | 12th August 2022 |
This course is particularly suited for science and engineering graduates or employees who wish to join validation roles in the (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, and is designed to provide education at postgraduate level in aspects of pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical validation technology to scientists, engineers and other professionals who operate in this industry.
This course is particularly suited for science and engineering graduates or employees who wish to join validation roles in the (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, and is designed to provide education at postgraduate level in aspects of pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical validation technology to scientists, engineers and other professionals who operate in this industry.
Biopharmaceutical processing is a rapidly growing sector within the life-sciences industry, with immense opportunities for graduates. Global manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals has increased significantly over the last decade and this programme will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges in the validation of pharma/biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. As a result, graduates can look forward to a wide range of career opportunities in a large and growing industry. Upon completion of the programme students will have achieved an internationally recognised qualification which is highly relevant to the pharma/biopharma industry and graduates of the course are well equipped to take up positions as validation professionals and managers in the pharmaceutical and related industries.
Course Information
| NFQ level | 9 |
| Award | Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Validation Technology |
| Provider | NIBRT/TU Dublin |
| Delivery | Online |
| Duration | 18 months |
| Application closing date | 12th August 2022 |
What are the job opportunities in the biopharma industry?
The biopharmaceutical industry has made a capital investment of approximately €10 billion in new facilities in Ireland, most of which has come in the last 10 years.
This represents close to the biggest wave of investment in new biotech facilities anywhere in the world. Ireland is now the 7th largest exporter of medicine and pharmaceutical products in the world, with the amount of products exported annually reaching €39bn.
Graduates from NIBRT’s Springboard courses are well positioned for opportunities in the related pharma, medical devices and food science industries.
NIBRT also holds an annual Careers in Biopharma jobs fair.
Application process
As places are limited, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as the program is officially launched. Courses start in September 2022 and candidates should apply via www.springboardcourses.ie (use “NIBRT” as keyword to search for the course of interest) Please contact springboard@nibrt.ie and we'd be delighted to answer any questions you may have.
Course Level Guidelines
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Level 6 courses are suitable for candidates with Leaving Cert or equivalent qualifications
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Level 9 courses are suitable for candidates with an honours degree in science, engineering or related discipline
Registration:
Places on these courses courses fill rapidly.
Candidates are encouraged to apply today via www.springboardcourses.ie
NIBRT Springboard+ Queries
Please contact springboard@nibrt.ie
