Paul Healy of Skillnet Ireland said the courses on offer could help businesses build talent pipelines in key areas.
The Irish Government is making more than 3,000 skills programmes available to businesses in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, energy management, supply chain and logistics, fintech, organic farming, retail, aviation, robotics, animation, design and advanced manufacturing.
The programmes will be run by the Government’s business support agency, Skillnet Ireland, as part of its new autumn schedule.
There are more than 70 Skillnet business networks operating nationwide. They provide subsidised talent development programmes to businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to larger employers, with many accredited courses on offer.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris, TD, launched the new Skillnet Ireland campaign this week.
“Talent development is vital in driving business success and Skillnet Ireland has an excellent track record in partnering with businesses to understand their skills needs,” he said.
“This campaign and the wide range of upskilling programmes available this autumn will help a record number of businesses to ensure they have the right talent in place now and into the future.”
Paul Healy, chief executive of Skillnet Ireland, also emphasised the importance of supporting businesses with staff skills development.
“As businesses face significant challenges to remain competitive, it’s never been more critical to ‘think talent.’ Our nationwide campaign is calling on businesses of all sizes to consider how the right skills can help them thrive,” he said.
“Whether it is boosting innovation, tackling digitalisation or building sustainability skills, our Skillnet business networks and other dedicated talent initiatives will help businesses on that journey.”
Some of the courses to be offered include a higher diploma in engineering in automation and digital manufacturing from Cobotic Skillnet; an MSc in artificial intelligence from Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet; a master’s of engineering in digitalisation of manufacturing from Irish Medtech Skillnet; an energy leaders programme from Skillnet Ireland Climate Ready Academy; and an MSc in innovation in fintech from Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet.
More information on Skillnet’s programmes and how the agency can help businesses develop staff skills is available on its website.
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