Skillnet Ireland is to distribute funding of up to €2m to businesses, industry bodies or enterprise groups that want to establish a new Skillnet learning network.

The state-funded national agency is tasked with promoting and facilitating workforce learning. It does so by helping to establish enterprise-led learning networks, which provide training, talent development and up-skilling opportunities to workers in a variety of sectors.

There are currently more than 65 Skillnet networks nationwide, comprising clusters of companies from the same sector or geographical location, with more being added regularly.

Fingal Dublin Chamber last week launched the Fingal Dublin Chamber Skillnet, which will respond to the skills needs of enterprises in the Fingal region.

Paul Healy (pictured), chief executive of Skillnet Ireland, explained that developing new Skillnet networks gives businesses the ability to address the strategic challenges and skills gaps faced within their sector or region.

In Association with

“Together with our Skillnet networks, we provide leadership in shaping the future of workforce development, workforce planning and workforce innovation in Ireland,” Healy added.

A group of businesses from the same sector or region can collectively apply to establish a Skillnet learning network with funding support for the development and delivery of innovative learning solutions.

Joint Investment

Skillnet Ireland networks operate under a joint investment model, whereby learning networks can apply to receive up to 50% of the cost of training from Skillnet Ireland, and the remainder of costs are funded in matching contributions from participating businesses in the learning network.

The agency is now looking for applications from new groups of businesses aiming to address challenges through up-skilling and re-skilling. Applications for funding are open until September 30. To apply, visit www.skillnetireland.ie/funding.

Skillnet Ireland is also holding information sessions for businesses, industry bodies or enterprise groups on how they can establish a Skillnet network. The first information session will take place in Athlone on May 22. The second will take place on May 23 in Dublin.

The sessions are free, but registration is required to attend. To register, see here.

“New technologies including AI, autonomous systems and robotics are having a significant impact on how we work and the skills required in workplaces of the future,” said Healy.

“Employers and workers need to adapt to this ever-changing work environment and ready themselves for the future. By engaging with a Skillnet network or developing a new Skillnet network, companies can work together in developing a highly skilled workforce for their sector or region.”