€14.5 million has been allocated from the National Training Fund (NTF ) to Skillnets Ltd to fund training through some 50 networks nationwide in 2011.
Skillnets facilitates training and upskilling in collaboration with local enterprises that is directly relevant to industry needs. Irish companies have a direct input into the types of training offered through Skillnets. If you are a company looking for relevant training for your staff, an employee looking to upskill, or a jobseeker seeking to increase your chances of employment, you can access a whole range of opportunities through Skillnets’ networks across the country.
A pilot programme in 2010 delivering training to jobseekers will once again be funded in 2011. There are unique benefits for jobseekers training with Skillnets networks as courses are chosen and needed by industry, jobseekers get the opportunity to train with people in employment and other jobseekers, there is no impact on social welfare payments/benefits and the training is free.
Other benefits for companies in joining a network in their region or sector is access to subsidised training for staff, input into the type, location, and timing of training, and the opportunity to create new business contacts and partnerships. Many small businesses have reduced in size leading to management and staff multi-tasking which has created a demand to rapidly acquire new skills. In a survey with member companies, 62 per cent of companies said that participating in a Skillnets network had created new business partnerships and 69 per cent reported key business contacts being generated. Companies can search for networks by region or sector on www.skillnets.ie/networks
If you are currently employed and your company joins a network you could gain new skills to open up your career progression, get access to courses relevant to your company and wider industry, with subsidised fees paid by your employer and enjoy the benefits of networking within your sector and or region.
Skillnets is calling on all jobseekers, employees, and companies to upskill and help to maintain Ireland’s competitiveness. Training courses cover a range of disciplines and there are also sector specific training courses available.
