Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet
ICT Skillnet Ireland is a national agency supporting businesses in Ireland to address their skill needs by promoting and facilitating enterprise training and workforce learning, especially in the context of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). It also targets jobseekers and employees looking to upskill or reskill, through capacity-building initiatives and resources, with the aim of driving further employment.
About ICT Skillnet Ireland
Skillnet Ireland was established 1999 and is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Nationwide Learning Networks (groups of companies within the same industry sector or region) coordinate the training and assist SMEs in identifying their skill needs. The Learning Networks receive funding from Skillnet to subsidise the training of companies. Technology Ireland represents the Learning Network for the provision of information and communication technology (ICT) skills.
The training programmes listed are partly free or paid, intensive short-term (upskilling) courses to MSc (Masters level) programmes. Unemployed learners receive free courses and can participate in conversion programmes, including a certificate in emerging technologies. Work placements within ICT companies are also offered.
In March 2021 ICT Skillnet Ireland launched Future in Tech, an initiative comprising of 9 tech skills programmes to help jobseekers with no technological or digital background to understand and develop the digital skills they need to access a rapidly changing job market.
Why is this a good practice?
Since its launch, the initiative has been successful in ameliorating the national landscape when it comes to digital skills, jobs and employment for the labour force and citizens alike. So far, over 30 accredited courses on different technology topics of relevance have been launched.
Skillnet Ireland currently supports over 22,500 businesses nationwide and provides a wide range of valuable learning experiences to over 86,500 trainees. ICT Skillnet Ireland also launched Ireland's first masters-level higher education programme in Artificial Intelligence (2018) and has continued expanding and developing its network through distance and blended learning opportunities, industry-led programmes, engagement of stakeholders, and continuous commitment to funding. The qualification courses produced by ICT Skillnet have also proven successful in leading towards a qualification recognised by employers and have contributed to increasing employability on a national level, evidenced by high employment progression rates.
In 2024 only, training programs developed by the organisation succeeded in reaching 2,300 professionals from all around across Ireland, representing virtually all sectors. Over 1,000 people have taken free training courses. Companies across Ireland also seem to be recognising the need to invest in skills in order to boost general digital literacy and competence in specific technologies - for 2024 they have invested €1 million in training with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet. Over 800 companies took part in training with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet in 2024, united in the goal of providing sound personal and professional development opportunities for their staff. Since the launch of the Global Cyber Alliance Toolkit for SMEs earlier in 2024, over 130 SMEs have already used the resource to improve organisational cybersecurity.
