Publications

2011

Skillnets News - Issue 11, September 2011

TNP 2010-2011

Welcome to the eleventh issue of Skillnets News, bringing you the latest on the ongoing activities of Skillnets as well as network news and recent events.

In this issue:

  • Update on three new funding streams - Job-seekers Support Programme (JSSP), Future Skills Needs Programme (FSNP) and New Certified Programme Development (NCPD)
  • Network events including the 'Innovate or Stagnate' breakfast briefing - a collaboration between four networks
  • New network developments such as the Farm Business Skillnet's Computer Gym initiative - a mobile training centre for it's members nationwide
  • Finuas Networks Programme update
Skilnets News, Issue 11, September 2011 - cover

Skillnets News - Issue 10, April 2011

TNP 2010-2011

Welcome to the tenth issue of Skillnets News, bringing you the latest on the ongoing activities of Skillnets as well as network news and recent events.

In this issue:

  • Minister Ciarán Cannon launches the Evaluation Report for the Job-seekers Support Programme (JSSP) pilot
  • High level results from the Skillnets Member Company Satisfaction Survey 2010
  • IITD National Training Awards
  • Finuas Networks Programme
Cover of Skillnets News Issue 10 - April 2011
2010

Annual Report 2010

TNP 2010-2011

€17.3 million invested in training over 39,000 people through Skillnets training programmes in 2010

The Skillnets Annual Report 2010 reports that in 2010 €17.3 million was invested in developing the skills of over 39,000 people in Ireland.  Skillnets proactively responds to enterprise needs by focusing on facilitating the changing needs of employers through best practice training, while simultaneously meeting the needs of the unemployed.  €8.4 million was invested from the National Training Fund (NTF) and €8.9 million from companies. Trainees benefitted from over 185,000 training days, delivered by over 60 Skillnet networks across the country.

Domhnall MacDomhnaill, Chairman of Skillnets, said that “Over the last 18 months the strategic direction of Skillnets has been adapted and fine-tuned to respond to the need for investment in our people, both employed and unemployed, to develop sustainable economic growth for the country. Improving the skills and competencies of our workforce will be critical in our efforts to attract substantial levels of foreign direct investment and to enable our domestic companies to continue to compete with the best in the world. 94% of companies funded by Skillnets are classified as SMEs.  These are the companies that the economy is depending on to kick start economic growth. I am pleased to report that Skillnets is playing its part in supporting these SMEs. 

In a 2010 survey with member companies more than four out of five companies (82%) agreed that Skillnets training helped them to fill skill gaps whilst 68% agreed that it improved productivity.  A high proportion of companies reported that Skillnets training helped to achieve market developments such as enhancements to products and services (70%). 84% agreed that Skillnets training represents good value for money and 89% agreed that they would recommend to other companies to join a Skillnet network.

Skillnets Annual Report 2010 cover image

Skillnets News - Issue 9, September 2010

TNP 2010-2011

Welcome to the ninth issue of Skillnets News, bringing you the latest on the ongoing activities of Skillnets as well as network news and recent events.

In this issue:

  • Highlights from Skillnets Annual Report 2009
  • Focus on job-seekers; trainee satisfaction survey results, expansion of eligibility criteria etc
  • Finuas Networks Programme - first year update
Skillnets News, Issue 9, September 2010 - cover

Annual Report 2009

TNP 2010-2011

Companies continue to invest in training despite recessionary times – Over 40,000 workers trained through Skillnets Training Networks Programme (TNP) in 2009.

The Skillnets Annual Report 2009 reported that Irish enterprise is still investing in training. In 2009 over €22.2 million was invested in developing the skills of over 40,000 workers in Irish enterprise. €14.5 million was invested from the National Training Fund (NTF) and €7.7 million from companies.  Training was delivered by 103 Skillnet networks across the country.

In a 2009 survey with member companies 62% (an increase of 16% on 2008 figures) of companies said that participating in a Skillnets network had created new business partnerships and 69% (an increase of 16% on 2008 figures) reported key business contacts being generated.

 

Skillnets Annual Report 2009 cover image

Skillnets News - Issue 8, April 2010

TNP 2010-2011

Welcome to the eighth issue of Skillnets News, bringing you the latest on the ongoing activities of Skillnets as well as network news and recent events.

In this issue:

  • Training Networks Programme 2008-2009 Summary
  • Member Company Satisfaction Survey Results
  • Certification Focus Group Update
Skillnets news cover image
2009

Skillnets News - Issue 7, September 2009

TNP 2008-2009

Welcome to the seventh issue of Skillnets News, bringing you the latest on the ongoing activities of Skillnets as well as network news and recent events.

In this issue:

  • Skillnets Mentoring Programme
  • National Digital Skills Week
  • Léargas Work Placement Scheme
Skillnets News Issue 7 cover

Skillnets News - Issue 6, May 2009

TNP 2008-2009

Welcome to the sixth issue of Skillnets News, bringing you the latest on the ongoing activities of Skillnets as well as network news and recent events.

In this issue:

  • Tánaiste launches Finuas Networks Programme
  • Demystifying certification
  • Skillnets Professional Development Programme
  • IITD National Training Awards 2009
Skillnets News Issue 6 cover

Skillnets Annual Report 2008

TNP 2008-2009

Building the knowledge economy – Over 56,000 workers trained through Skillnets Training Networks Programme (TNP) in 2008

The Skillnets Annual Report 2008 reported that over €36 million was invested in developing the skills of over 56,000 workers in Irish enterprise in 2008. This comprised €25 million from the National Training Fund (NTF) and €11.5 million from companies. Over 22,000 companies from a wide range of industries such as digital media, renewable energy,space industry, responsible tourism, ICT, broadcasting, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, engineering and healthcare amongst others invested hard cash in the Skillnets model which has proved to be a robust model which can adapt to the changing economy and demands of markets.

Annual Report 2008 cover
2008

Skillnets News - Issue 5, December 2008

TNP 2008-2009

Welcome to the fifth issue of Skillnets News, bringing you the latest on the ongoing activities of Skillnets as well as network news and recent events.

In this issue:

  • Global Return on Investment (ROI) Institute Best Practice Implementation Award for Skillnets Ltd. and the Impact Measurement Skillnet
  • Networks rising to challenging times
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Forum Focus
Skillnets News Issue 5 cover