Paul Healy, chief executive, Skillnet Ireland to address Shannon Chamber members on 18 October in Dromoland Castle Hotel.
Shannon Chamber welcomes the new funding announced for Skillnet Ireland in Budget 2023 stating that it will provide Skillnet Ireland with the resources to expand the vital work it delivers via its 70 plus business networks throughout Ireland, including Shannon Chamber Skillnet.
This is the 6th consecutive year of budget increases secured by Skillnet Ireland. Funding under the EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) has also been secured again for 2023 and includes an additional BAR package targeting workers and SMEs affected by Brexit. Additional allocations have also been made to its climate action programmes and work in the arena of digital skills.
Commenting on this announcement, Shannon Chamber chief executive Helen Downes said: “The additional funding allocated in Budget 2023 to support the training needs of enterprise clearly indicates the Government’s commitment to enhancing the skills base of SMEs and multinational companies operating in Ireland, including Shannon and the wider region. We are currently preparing a funding application to Skillnet Ireland for the period 2023 – 2025, and when approved, the funding will support the talent development requirements of our member companies.
“We would encourage businesses to engage with our newly appointed Skillnet network manager Alan Kelly to discuss their training needs in advance of our making a submission for funding for 2023 – 2025. We don’t want companies to miss out on this great opportunity to invest in enhancing the talent of their employees. Upskilling attracts, retains, and motivates employees. It also sends out a strong message to those looking for work that a company is prepared to invest in their career progression.”
In advance of making this submission, Shannon Chamber has invited the chief executive of Skillnet Ireland, Paul Healy, to address members at a luncheon event in Dromoland Castle Hotel on Tuesday, 18 October. In his keynote address, Mr Healy will discuss the wide range of high-impact talent solutions available through its 70 plus Skillnet business networks and how that is helping businesses build the skills and capabilities they need to thrive. With over €60million invested by Skillnet Ireland in talent development, over 22,500 businesses and 86,000 people are being supported annually.
The luncheon event will also include commentary from a panel of speakers on the benefits and returns to be gained from investing in upskilling and talent development. The panellists include Dr Sarah Kieran, assistant dean of the Academy at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick; Fiona Keogh, learning and organisational development manager at Analog Devices International; and Anthony Brennan, chief people officer at Atlantic Aviation Group.
Students from two secondary schools, St Patrick’s Comprehensive School and St Caimin’s Community School in Shannon will also attend to engage first-hand with Skillnet Ireland’s chief executive.
This luncheon is an invite only event. Those interested in attending should contact Lijana at lkizaite@shannonchamber.ie or call on 061 475 854 or 086 0679838
Luncheon panellists (left to right): Dr Sarah Kieran, assistant dean of the Academy at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick; Fiona Keogh, learning and organisational development manager at Analog Devices International; and Anthony Brennan, chief people officer at Atlantic Aviation Group.
