A gathering was held this week to acknowledge the commitment by Skillnet Ireland to small to medium enterprises (SME’s) in upskilling and learning.
In attendance were Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, TD and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD.
Over 23,000 SMEs make use of the supports provided by Skillnet Ireland each year,
The 70 Skillnet Business Networks and nationwide Initiatives provide career paths to their employees and to help businesses to build competitiveness through skills.
A recent research report from Skillnet Ireland revealed that 49% of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises are confident about the future with almost half of them viewing their economic outlook as “very strong”.
However, 51% reported difficulties in recruiting staff with the necessary skillset.
Cybersecurity, financial management, and marketing and sales were identified as the much-needed skills for business growth and 33% of SMEs have highlighted that cost is a barrier to upskilling.
“Skillnet Ireland’s mandate as a Government of Ireland agency under the aegis of my Department is dedicated to encouraging greater participation and engagement with enterprise training and workforce development,” said O’Donovan.
“The dynamism and innovation represented in the 23,000 companies that worked with us last year speaks to the possibilities that upskilling and talent development have for business,” said Paul Healy, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland.
In its last reported figures, in 2022, through the network of Skillnet networks across every Irish county and in every sector, the national agency delivered a total of 676,400 training days, through 10,966 training programmes, to 24,747 businesses, resulting in 92,489 individuals receiving training.
Photo: Senator Maria Byrne, Sean Kelly, MEP, Minister Patrick O’Donovan, TD (Minister for Further and Higher Education Research Innovation and Science), Paul Healy (Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland), Minister Peter Burke, TD (Minister For Enterprise, Trade and Employment) with members of the business community, Skillnet Ireland Business Networks and promoters.