European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
THESE LHP SKILLNET PROGRAMMES ARE CO-FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND, THE EUROPEAN UNION, AND NETWORK COMPANIES www.eufunds.ie
What Is the ESF+?
LHP Skillnet is currently co-funding learners’ places on QQI-accredited programmes under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The ESF+ is the European Union (EU)’s main instrument for investing in people and supporting the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. To learn more, visit www.eufunds.ie.
Funded places are limited. To apply for a QQI Level 5 programme provided by LHP Skillnet, follow the links below. If you would like to apply for a programme listed under Other Programmes, please fill in the form at the bottom of the page to begin the application process. Our team will contact you to discuss your options.
QQI Level 5 Programmes Provided By LHP Skillnet
Places on these programmes, which are developed and delivered by LHP Skillnet, are funded under the ESF+. To learn more or to apply for a place, simply click on the tiles below.
Certificate in Dementia Care (QQI Level 5)
Skills Connect Certificate in Healthcare Support (QQI Level 5)
Certificate in Healthcare Support (QQI Level 5) (10 Jun 2026)
Other Programmes Supported under the ESF+ Initiative
LHP Skillnet is currently co-funding places on each of the following programmes under the ESF+. It is not a finite list of eligible programmes. If you are interested in a programme that is not on the list, please let us know by filling in the form at the bottom of this page, and we will advise you on available funding. Please make sure to contact us at least 1 month before the cut-off date for applications.
Funding can only be granted to eligible learners subject to availability. You must be employed in the private healthcare sector in Ireland and meet the entry requirements of your chosen programme as stated on the provider’s website. It is important to note that funding does not extend to university application fees or student fees.
With the ESF+, the level of contact between you and LHP Skillnet requires phone calls on introduction, the submission of forms and questionnaires, and other correspondence on a regular basis. Your timely participation on all levels is required before, during and up to 6 months post completion of your programme.
Upon submission of the form at the bottom of this page, applicants will be notified about their eligibility for funding and the next steps in the process.
If you have any questions regarding our postgraduate programmes funded through the ESF+, please contact our team at esfplus@lhpskillnet.ie.
Gerontology
Gerontological courses are designed to support nurses caring for older people across acute, community, and long-term care settings. They focus on promoting ageing with confidence and dignity. These programmes helps nurses build specialist postgraduate knowledge, along with practical skills and competencies, to provide evidence-based, person-centred care. They also support nurses in helping older people achieve their individual health and wellbeing goals.
Alongside clinical development, these courses strengthen research, leadership, and critical thinking skills, enabling nurses to contribute confidently within interdisciplinary teams. Key areas explored include dementia care, mental health, relevant legislation, and quality improvement.
LHP Skillnet is currently CO-funding PLACES on each of the following programmes under the ESF+ FOR 2026/27
www.eufunds.ie
Academic Progression
Advanced Practice in Nursing
Advanced practice in nursing refers to postgraduate education and training that equips nurses to deliver highly specialised, expert care across a range of areas, including but not limited to oncology, palliative care, coronary care, wound care and tissue Viability, and infection prevention and control. These courses enable nurses to develop advanced knowledge and clinical expertise, leading to improved patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality. Advanced practice supports nurses in making more independent, evidence-informed decisions, while building confidence in their clinical judgement.
LHP Skillnet is currently CO-funding PLACES on each of the following programmes under the ESF+ FOR 2026/27
www.eufunds.ie
Academic Progression
ANP
Critical Care
Medical & Surgical
IPC
Palliative Care
Other
Leadership & Management
Undertaking leadership and management training supports nurses in developing the confidence and skills needed to navigate increasingly complex healthcare environments. It helps strengthen decision-making, organisation, and communication, enabling nurses to provide safe, well-coordinated, and person-centred care. This training also prepares nurses to take on greater responsibility within teams, supporting colleagues, managing challenges effectively, and contributing to a positive working environment.
LHP Skillnet is currently CO-funding PLACES on each of the following programmes under the ESF+ FOR 2026/27
www.eufunds.ie
Education, Counselling & Mentoring
Education, counselling, or mentoring courses can help nurses develop their skills to effectively support, guide, and develop others in practice. They enhance their abilities to communicate, teach, and provide constructive feedback, while promoting reflective learning and professional growth within teams. Nurses can move into roles such as Clinical Nurse Educator, Practice Development Nurse, or Staff Development Coordinator. In more supportive roles, nurses may work as a Mentor/Preceptor for students and newly qualified staff.
LHP Skillnet is currently CO-funding PLACES on each of the following programmes under the ESF+ FOR 2026/27
www.eufunds.ie
Nurse Prescribing
Nurse prescribing as a postgraduate qualification enables experienced nurses to safely and effectively prescribe medicines within their scope of practice, enhancing patient care and supporting more timely treatment. These programmes develop knowledge of legislation and regulatory frameworks, alongside key skills in patient assessment, consultation, and clinical decision-making. They support better collaboration within multidisciplinary teams and contributes to more efficient, coordinated care.
In addition, they offer valuable professional development and are a  requirement for entry to the Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioner divisions of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland register.
LHP Skillnet is currently CO-funding PLACES on each of the following programmes under the ESF+ FOR 2026/27
www.eufunds.ie
The expression of interest process for the postgraduate programmes above is now for 2026 is paused. We would like to thank all who have expressed their interest.
If you have any questions regarding our postgraduate programmes funded through the ESF+, please contact our team at esfplus@lhpskillnet.ie.
