Portobello Institute and Heritage Credit Union Announce New Partnership to Support Career Pathways Through Education

Portobello Institute and Heritage Credit Union are introducing a dedicated student loan option to support people in accessing career-focused higher education.

The partnership gives eligible students access to Heritage Credit Union’s Start Back Loan, a loan designed to help people take the next step at important points in life. It offers a flexible and manageable way to finance the cost of study. The initiative is aimed at students who are starting a career, changing direction or progressing professionally.

At Portobello Institute, education is designed to open meaningful career pathways. As Ireland’s independent institute for career-focused higher education, Portobello supports students through flexible learning and personalised guidance, helping them achieve recognised qualifications and move confidently into professional careers.

This new loan option strengthens that support by addressing one of the most common barriers to education: the cost of study.

Through the partnership, students may be able to spread the cost of their course over time, removing the need for a large upfront payment and offering greater financial flexibility. The application process is designed to be simple and accessible, with applications available through Heritage Credit Union’s mobile app.

Key benefits of the loan option include:

• A straightforward application that allows eligible Portobello students to become a member and apply for the loan on the same day
• The ability to spread tuition costs over manageable repayments
• No upfront deposit required
• A straightforward digital application process
• Flexible repayment options designed around real-life circumstances
• Support from a trusted, community-based financial institution, your local Credit Union

Heritage Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial institution serving its local community, provides access to savings and loan products that support long-term financial wellbeing. As Portobello Institute is located within the area served by Heritage Credit Union, students attending the institute are welcome to join as members and apply for Heritage’s Start Back Loan.

Denise Flood, Executive Dean at Portobello Institute, welcomed this new opportunity for those seeking pathways to education.

“At Portobello Institute, our focus is on supporting students to achieve their career goals. We know that financial barriers can prevent capable and motivated people from taking the next step in their education.

“This partnership with Heritage Credit Union provides an important additional support aimed at making it easier for students to access career-focused qualifications and progress into meaningful professional careers, with the flexibility to manage the cost in a way that works for their lives,” she said.

Alan Roche, CEO, Heritage Credit Union, said:

“This partnership reflects something we believe strongly at Heritage Credit Union: the right support, at the right time, can make a real difference in someone’s life. Portobello Institute is helping people build skills, confidence and new career opportunities. Our role is to support that journey in a practical and accessible way, so that cost is less likely to stand in the way of progress. That is part of what Heritage means when we say know and support our members,” he said.

While the loan is provided directly by Heritage Credit Union and is subject to its normal approval process, Portobello Institute is committed to ensuring students are aware of loan options that may support their journey.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to widening access to education, supporting career progression and helping people build sustainable futures through professional qualifications. By combining flexible education pathways with accessible finance, Portobello Institute and Heritage Credit Union are helping more people take the next step in their career.

For more information on how to apply for Heritage Credit Union’s Start Back Loan click here.

To explore courses at Portobello Institute click here.