Press Release
Companies embrace training to boost performance
3,800 companies nationwide join training networks
Skillnets, the enterprise-led
training support body, today published the outcomes of the highly innovative Training
Networks programme at its national conference, Innovation and Change Through Learning
Networks in Dublin.
The report on the 2002-5 programme showed that 3,800 companies in sectors from plastics to software development had trained over 22,000 employees as a result of the programme.
The programme has seen an overall investment of €20 million in training with companies investing €7.5m in their human resources and Skillnets contributing an additional €13.5m.
Speaking at the event Tony Killeen, Minister for Labour Affairs said, "The critical link between skills development and competitiveness is acknowledged by both Government and industry. This has led to a sharp increase in focus on public funding for training - particularly for training those already in employment.
He added "By establishing enterprise-led training networks Skillnets has engaged enterprises directly in the process of identifying the future skill needs of people in the workplace while providing employees with the skills they need to secure future employment"
Skillnets supports groups of firms to come together in Training Networks to develop flexible and relevant training programmes that specifically meet the needs of the business. The report shows that over 3,800 industry based courses have been delivered by Training Networks and 1,000 new courses were developed by the businesses themselves. Of all the courses delivered during the programme, 78% were specifically customised to meet network member company needs. This provides strong evidence of companies' preference to design their own training solutions.
Máire Hunt, Chief Executive of
Skillnets commenting on the findings said, "Competitive challenges will require
all sectors in our economy to up skill and reskill to remain competitive. Training
networks outlined in the report are diverse from manufacturing, leisure, software
developers to food companies and hotels. A number of regional training networks
have also brought new skills development opportunities to regions like Galway,
Donegal and north Mayo."
85% of all businesses involved in the Training Networks Programme had less than 50 employees. These SMEs are the backbone of the Irish economy and a sector traditionally with a poor record of training. Skillnets helps SMEs develop practical tools to analyse and meet training needs, quickly, locally and effectively.
Commenting on the success of the enterprise-led training approach, Domhnall Mac Domhnaill, Chairman of Skillnets said, "By coming together and forming a training network, organisations work together to devise the most suitable training programmes for their collective needs. A high level of skills across our workforce is key to sustaining our competitive edge. Our experience shows significant advantages will accrue to both the businesses and individuals who partake in training networks. Companies involved in Skillnets Training Networks have seen the benefits with 72% showing an improvement in employee morale and 66% recording an increase in productivity."
Since 1999 over 6,100 companies and over 35,000 staff have participated in Skillnets programmes. The organisation currently has a mandate and funding of €55m until 2010 and there are now 54 Networks in the 2006-2007 Training Networks Programme.
Ends.
