Mullingar training firm sees surge in demand for upskilling courses

A surge in enrolments for Special Needs Assistant (SNA), healthcare, homecare, and childcare training has been reported by Mullingar-based education provider Forus Training.

The start of 2025 has seen a marked increase in interest from adult learners seeking flexible, purpose-driven qualifications, according to Forus Training CEO Lisa O’Connell, who said the surge in enrolments reflects a broader trend of women returning to the workforce and reskilling into care-related roles.

“The demand for qualified SNAs and homecare professionals is growing every year,” said Lisa. “These are meaningful jobs that work around people’s lives, and the need has never been greater.”

This spike follows the Budget 2025 commitment to fund 1,600 additional SNAs in Irish schools, as part of the government’s continued support for inclusive education.

SNAs provide classroom assistance to children with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, sensory processing issues, and behavioural challenges.

“As schools shift toward more inclusive models, the shortage of qualified support staff has become a critical issue nationwide,” said Lisa.

Many of those retraining are doing so while balancing family responsibilities or returning to work after a career break, signalling a growing preference for careers that offer job stability and social value. Short, part-time courses and flexible learning options are proving key to enabling this transition – particularly for those unable to pursue traditional education routes.

“In 2025, Ireland isn’t short of care jobs – we’re short of people ready to fill them,” Lisa added. “With demand continuing to rise, there’s a real opportunity to step into work that matters.”

The increasing demand for SNA and homecare professionals is compounded by workforce pressures within the Early Learning and Care (ELC) sector. The ELC sector is experiencing high turnover rates – estimated at 25% annually – as many early years professionals transition to SNA roles in primary and secondary schools, drawn by better pay and improved working conditions.

A 2024 survey by SIPTU revealed that 86% of early years educators cited low pay as a major concern, contributing to staffing shortages. The lack of structured career progression in the ELC sector continues to drive this exodus.

This shift in workforce dynamics highlights the importance of accessible, flexible training for those looking to enter or re-enter the care sector. Forus Training plays a pivotal role in enabling this transition, offering online and blended training that equips learners with the practical skills and certifications needed to build fulfilling careers in care.