Ireland stands at a critical crossroads of rapid technological disruption and economic transformation with 8 out of 10 firms in Ireland reporting skills gaps undermining their business productivity, innovation and overall resilience. To maintain global competitiveness, businesses must urgently upskill their workforces to navigate fast-moving trends like AI. The magnitude of the challenge ahead of us requires a new commitment to massively scaling workforce development and lifelong learning in programmes with significant industry demand and a clear track record of working with business to meet existing and emerging skills needs.
As a core component of its pre-budget submission, Ibec is calling on government to investment €50m from the nearly €2bn National Training Fund (NTF) surplus over the next 3 years in Skillnet business networks with an immediate allocation of €16.7m in 2027. Despite the growing demand for Skillnet training, funding for Skillnet business networks has stagnated in recent years. Coupled with inflationary and administrative pressures, this has resulted in an overall reduction in network training capacity at a time when the skills challenges facing industry are more profound and complex than ever before.
As this is a co-financing model where industry effectively invests twice in training programmes, every €2 invested by the Government will leverage an estimated additional €1.16 of private investment from industry. Industry is committed to substantially increasing investment, but this can only be achieved where public funding is available – anything else is money left on the table when its most needed.
This report gives an overview of the operation and economic value of Skillnet business network model with case studies from some of Ireland’s leading industry voices including InverMed, CACEIS and West Pharmaceutical Services. Survey results from Ibec Skillnet network clients give evidence of the industry impact of the model and the growing demand for the service. Key findings from the survey include:
- 86% of surveyed companies expect their demand for Skillnet business network training to increase over the next five years, with 46% anticipating a significant increase, illustrating the critical need to scale Skillnet business network core funding in line with rising industry demand.
- Skillnet business network training delivers clear commercial value with 77% of companies indicating that it has enhanced leadership and management capabilities which are critical for business survival and growth in a rapidly shifting global economy.
- State funding shortages directly restrict access to workforce development, with 72% of businesses stating that a lack of available state funding negatively impacted their ability to access critical training.
Discover / Our Ibec Skillnet Networks
Ibec Skillnet Networks / Your questions answered
Ibec has 11 Skillnet Networks across key sectors promoted by our various Trade Associations. Each Skillnet Network works directly with industry to evaluate current and future skills needs, and designs and delivers subsidised upskilling solutions to address those demands. Ibec Skillnet Networks address both technical and non-technical skills.
Ibec Skillnet Networks are co-funded by Skillnet Ireland and private sector companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
No, all Irish based private sector or commercial semi-state enterprises operating within these sectors are eligible. For more information, please contact the Network Manager of your relevant network.
Contact the relevant Network Manager to join for free. Companies can avail of programmes listed on the website or request bespoke programmes depending on the requirements. Companies can also complete a training plan to assist in identifying training needs.
Membership is free and members enjoy benefits including:
• Highly specialised subsidised learning
• Improved training performance at higher quality and lower cost
• Bespoke programme development with flexible delivery
• Collaborate with other companies to help improve industry standards
• Design programmes to meet skills shortages
• Enhance your competitiveness in both domestic and international markets
No, it is not necessary to become a member to avail of training, however subsidies are only available to members. There is no membership fee to join a network and you can be a member of more than one network.
Testimonials / What companies say
Food Drink Ireland Skillnet have become a key partner in supporting our L&D needs. The courses offered align to industry needs and challenging market conditions.
FPT Skillnet supports the Polymer Industry at all levels; providing affordable, accessible, and essential training at a time when the industry really needs it.
The strong links that Irish Medtech Skillnet has with industry allows them to provide bespoke training to meet industry needs. This has enabled us to grow and advance our people.
IFS Skillnet provide cost effective solutions to our training needs and no matter what course our colleagues attend the experience and impact is always very positive.
Working collaboratively with Retail Ireland Skillnet over the last few years has enabled us to infuse new life and structure into our training, in a cost-effective manner.
At the core of the ICT Skillnet portfolio is unique access to industry-led programmes to support development of skills and competencies which has hugely benefited our employees.
BPC Skillnet offer us bespoke learning, best practice networks and a body of learning professionals that cater for a significant scope of requests cost effectively.
Our partner / Skillnet Ireland
Skillnet Ireland is a business support agency of the Government of Ireland. Skillnet Ireland believe that maintaining a highly skilled workforce is essential to our national competitiveness. Skillnet Ireland currently support over 18,000 businesses nationwide and provide a wide range of valuable learning experiences to over 70,000 trainees. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Learn moreGet in touch
Ibec Skillnet Networks integration with Ibec and the trade associations, allows them to understand the economic, regulatory, and labour market issues affecting industry and enables the delivery of relevant quality programmes for industry. If there is specific training you need, which is not listed on their websites, please contact us to discuss possible funding available to you.
For any queries, please contact us on 01 605 1500
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