Developing the skills of businesses and strengthening economic growth continued to be key priorities for Skillnets at the launch of the public consultation for its Statement of Strategy 2016-2019 this week.
Skillnets, the national agency responsible for funding and supporting training networks is asking the people of Clare to input into their new strategy, which will support more Irish companies to stay competitive and at the leading edge of their industry over the next four years.
Skillnets CEO Paul Healy believes the training of businesses must adapt just like the marketplace has. “A highly educated and skilled workforce has been one of the key driving forces behind the country’s economic recovery. It ensures Ireland is a dynamic leader in marketable skills and strengthens productivity, competitiveness and international investment. As the marketplace evolves, the training needs of businesses change, with demand for new skills in growth areas”.
Healy added “It is essential that Skillnets continues to be at the forefront of enterprise skills development in Ireland and that our new strategy reflects this. Skillnets develops and delivers training through a unique enterprise-led model, working directly with employers to identify and deliver dynamic and relevant solutions to skills shortages. This public consultation gives people the opportunity to input into a strategy that will bring real results to workers and employers at a regional and industry level.”
According to Skillnets Chairman Brendan McGinty, local businesses and community-led enterprise are the driving force behind growth and success for the country. “Skillnets partners with companies at a local level, giving them the opportunity to collaborate with industry peers and play a key role in their sector’s growth. We believe the harnessing of the knowledge and expertise of our member companies is essential for identifying areas of potential growth and subsequent skills development”.
McGinty concluded “We’re now asking all stakeholders for their input to help secure the future of a highly skilled, competitive workforce, and enhance the contribution that Skillnets makes to the needs of both enterprise and national policy.”
The public consultation for the Skillnets Statement of Strategy 2016-2019 is now running for the next eight weeks. A position paper to support the consultation, and an online consultation survey, is available at www.skillnets.ie. The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 19 July 2016.