Whether you’re applying for a summer job, preparing for college or simply looking to strengthen your curriculum vitae, short courses can be a worthwhile investment of your time. While work experience remains important, employers also value candidates who show initiative and a willingness to learn. The good news is that many recognised courses can be completed in just a few hours or days.

From first aid and manual handling to digital skills and food safety training, these qualifications can help you stand out from other applicants.

Here are some courses that could boost your CV.

Occupational first aid

A first aid qualification can be a valuable addition to a CV, demonstrating responsibility, initiative and the ability to remain calm under pressure. The PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) standard is the recognised occupational first aid qualification in Irish workplaces and covers practical skills such as CPR, using a defibrillator (AED), responding to choking incidents, treating severe bleeding and managing common medical emergencies until professional help arrives. As well as helping candidates stand out to employers, the qualification provides skills that could prove invaluable.

• See phecc.ie or register for a three-day course for €320 at redcross.ie

Manual handling

Manual handling training is one of the most widely recognised workplace qualifications in Ireland, and is particularly useful for those considering careers in agriculture, construction, retail, hospitality or healthcare.

The course teaches participants how to safely lift, carry, push and pull loads while reducing the risk of injury, particularly to the back and shoulders. As well as demonstrating an awareness of workplace safety, the qualification is often required by employers in sectors where physical work forms part of the job. The training also encourages participants to assess risks before lifting and to use safe techniques that can help prevent long-term musculoskeletal injuries.

•See more, and register from €33 at irish-manualhandling.ie

International Certification of Digital Literacy

Digital skills are increasingly important across almost every industry, and an ICDL qualification can help demonstrate competency in the software and technology used in many workplaces.

The course covers a range of practical skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, online collaboration and cybersecurity awareness.

It can be particularly useful for students seeking office-based work, internships or graduate roles, but the skills learned are relevant across a wide range of careers. As workplaces continue to rely on digital technologies, having a recognised certification can help candidates stand out and show employers they are confident using the software and systems commonly encountered in professional environments. ICDL offers flexible learning paths.

•See icdl.org

Safe Pass

For anyone considering a career in construction, engineering or related trades, a Safe Pass card is an essential qualification and beneficial for acurriculum vitae for several reasons.

The one-day health and safety awareness programme is required for most people working on construction sites in Ireland and is designed to promote a safer working environment.

Participants learn about common workplace hazards, accident prevention, personal protective equipment and their responsibilities under health and safety legislation. While it is a mandatory requirement for many construction roles, completing Safe Pass can also demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety and may help open the door to summer employment opportunities in the sector.

• Register on worksafe.ie from €175 for a one-day course.

Food safety and HACCP

A food safety qualification can be a useful addition to a CV for anyone interested in working in hospitality, catering, food production or the wider agri-food sector. HACCP, which stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, is a food safety management system used to identify and control potential risks in the handling and preparation of food. Training typically covers topics such as food hygiene, contamination prevention, temperature control and safe food storage practices.

As food businesses are required to meet strict safety standards, having a recognised food safety qualification can demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail and an understanding of best practice in the workplace.

•Courses start from €20 at haccponline.ie or fsai.ie

Farm Family CPD

Farm Family CPD offers a range of online farm safety courses designed specifically for people living and working on Irish farms. The programme includes training for farm principals, young people, older farmers and farm workers, with topics covering machinery safety, livestock handling, farm hazards and risk management.

Developed in partnership with leading agricultural and safety organisations, the courses aim to promote a stronger culture of safety on farms while encouraging lifelong learning. Courses include ‘Keeping Yourself Safe (12 -16 years)’ and ‘Running a Safer Farm (farm principals)’.

If you are considering a future in agriculture, completing farm-focused training can demonstrate responsibility, improve safety awareness and provide practical knowledge throughout their careers.

•See farmfamilycpd.ie

Looking for more?

Short courses can be a useful starting point, but they are far from the only option available. For those looking to develop new skills or explore a career change, programmes such as Springboard+ and Skillnet Ireland offer a wide range of subsidised and free courses across sectors including agriculture, business, technology, sustainability and healthcare.

Many courses are designed to be flexible, allowing learners to study online or part-time while continuing to work or pursue other commitments. Whether you are looking to gain a new qualification, explore a potential career path or build on existing skills, these programmes can provide a pathway to further learning and professional development.

•See springboardcourses.ie; skillnetireland.ie.