In 2023, over 4,600 people and 1,700 businesses in the Midlands region participated in upskilling with Skillnet Ireland Business Network. The vast majority (96-98%) of companies that upskilled their workforce with Skillnet Ireland in 2023 were small and medium enterprises.
Skillnet figures breakdown
58% of those who undertook training were men and 42% were women, while those aged 30 to 39 years were the largest group of people availing of upskilling supports. In Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, the greatest uptake came from the Food & Drink sector, while in Longford/Roscommon, the greatest uptake came from the Agriculture sector.
Increase on figures from 2022
In 2023, Skillnet Ireland provided upskilling and training programmes to the value of €83.4 million to over 26,600 businesses and more than 97,700 workers nationally, across the Irish economy. Companies contributed €31.4 million, or 37% of the total investment, towards upskilling their staff, a €4.9 million increase on 2022, signalling a high level of buy-in from industry sectors to develop their teams in partnership with Skillnet Ireland. Skillnet Ireland provides programmes to businesses of all sizes in key areas such as digital skills, skills for a green transition and enterprise leadership. Every business, large or small, is facing challenges, from the need for digital advancement to talent shortages and skills gaps.
The importance of upskilling means investing in staff
Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, Paul Healy, said: “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Skillnet Ireland, there is increasing recognition among employers of the importance of upskilling in a competitive and rapidly evolving business landscape. By investing in staff, through the cost sharing approach with Skillnet Ireland, businesses in this region, and throughout the country, are more agile and adapt to technological advancements more seamlessly. Upskilling is proven to increase employee retention and creates a pipeline of future talent. I would like to commend the almost 27,000 companies that chose to work with Skillnet Ireland in 2023 and for putting the development of their teams centre stage. We look forward to continuing to support businesses, and the Irish workforce into the future.”
The upskilling and lifelong learning supports offered by Skillnet Ireland’s 70 Business Networks and National Initiatives – Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, Skillnet Innovation Exchange and MentorsWork – are all designed to bridge skill gaps, empower individuals, and drive innovation.
