The Government has announced more than 9,000 free or subsidised places on 285 upskilling and reskilling courses.

The Springboard+ initiatives will have emphasis on the importance of the digital economy.

The Government said it has identified four areas of critical importance: digital skills, soft skills, management and leadership and the workplace of the future.

It said all courses address at least one of these areas in detail, with many including all four.

Many courses also focus on future-proofing the skills of people already in employment - particularly in roles that may be impacted by digitalisation.

Education Minister Joe McHugh said: "Springboard+ training programmes provide people who are unemployed, those looking to return to the workforce and those in employment with a great opportunity to upskill or reskill in areas in which employers need skilled workers.

"As technology evolves, it brings with it new ways of doing business and new economic opportunities."

"The Government recognises that it is essential that people in employment have the opportunity to keep pace with these advances."

Courses on offer through Springboard+ include training in blockchain, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, virtual reality and smart factory technology.

Employees, jobseekers and those returning to work can all avail of these free or subsidised courses.

The courses are free for people who are unemployed, those who were previously self-employed and returners to the workforce.

For employed participants on courses NFQ level 7 - 9, 90% of the course fee is funded by the Government - with participants required to contribute 10% of the fee.

Recent research undertaken by the HEA has shown that 90% of participants who were on the Live Register at the start of their courses are now in employment.

Since 2011, over €192m has been allocated to Springboard+, providing over 55,000 places.

More information on the courses can be found here.