In their first year of operating the Skillnet network, Shannon Chamber have received national funding to continue the programme until the end of 2016.
Commenting on this news, Shannon Chamber’s chief executive Helen Downes stated: “Taking on a Skillnet was a completely new undertaking for the Chamber, albeit we had offered training previously but not on the same scale or frequency. Being a Skillnet has enabled us to put a framework on our training, appoint a steering group to assess the types of training needed and monitor the outcomes. In its first year of operation, Shannon Chamber Skillnet has delivered 40 training programmes to 318 executives in 113 member companies and has also provided training to 20 unemployed people.
She added “Feedback from all participating members has been that the calibre and frequency of the training provided by our Skillnet is increasing staff’s effectiveness, while the cross-sectoral aspect of the network has fostered a sharing of ideas and concepts during the progammes themselves”.
Given that Skillnet funding is allocated on a year-by-year basis, by the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills, each Skillnet has to reapply annually for the funding to continue its network. Ms Downes confirmed that they are already preparing their 2017 application and is confident of a successful outcome.