Skillnet Ireland has launched a call for applications to set up new Skillnet Business Networks aimed at meeting key business challenges through talent development and developing a highly skilled workforce.
Funding of up to €1 million is available for industry bodies or business groups to set up the new networks, which will complement the work already being carried out across the existing 72 Skillnet Business Networks nationwide. Industry bodies already involved in these networks include Ibec, the Small Firms Association, Chambers Ireland, Isme, the Irish Centre for Business Excellence and the Irish Farmers’ Association.
“These Skillnet Business Networks currently support over 22,500 businesses nationwide and provide a wide range of valuable learning and development experiences to over 86,500 trainees,” says Skillnet Ireland director of business networks Dave Flynn.
“This is an opportunity for groups of companies across sectors and regions to build competitive advantage and address key talent development issues by creating their own Skillnet Business Networks,” he adds. “Skillnet Business Networks allow member companies to access efficient, flexible and subsidised training and development for their workforce.”
Skillnet Ireland operates under a joint investment model, funded by matching contributions from participating businesses in its business networks. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposals are enterprise-led, have been designed to prioritise effective learning solutions, and deliver value for money for all stakeholders.
Applicants are also asked to submit proposals which address certain key priorities within their sector or region. These include digital transformation, climate action and business sustainability, SME leadership development, supporting Ireland’s FDI base, and workforce innovation.
“We are not being prescriptive in terms of the type of proposals we would like to see come forward,” says Flynn. “However, applications which address gaps in key areas like digitalisation, leadership, development and sustainability would be very welcome. Another key area is to address the need to retain employment in Ireland’s FDI base.”
Innovation is another critically important area. “The innovation piece is key for us,” he continues. “It is imperative for businesses to continue to improve their products and services to meet customer needs. We want to support new networks which will help companies in those areas as well as prepare them for the future world of work and new forms of working. Over the last couple of years, we have supported the establishment of new Skillnet Business Networks in areas such as engineering, and they are going from to strength.”
Flynn points to the Ibec-promoted BioPharmaChem Skillnet as an example of innovation in action. “It is helping companies to train staff using virtual reality technologies,” he explains. “This allows them to carry out training activities in a safe environment where staff do not come into contact with the pharmaceutical substances.”
That is particularly important in an industry where even tiny product volumes can be worth millions of euro. The health and safety and product integrity aspects are even more important. In the traditional small-molecule pharmaceutical sector, the emphasis tends to be on protecting the production staff from the product, while in the large-molecule biopharma industry the focus is more on protecting the product from the people.
To date, the BioPharmaChem Skillnet has developed two virtual reality training programmes, the first on aseptic techniques for biomanufacturing, and the second on powder handling in active pharmaceutical manufacturing.
“These programmes are highly impactful for the companies involved,” he notes. “They help reduce costs and there is no risk to the people being trained or to the production lines and processes.”
Skillnet Business Networks also provide broader supports to their sectors, according to Flynn. “For example, the Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet supported businesses through Covid and is now helping them recover.”
To be eligible to establish a new Skillnet Business Network, applicants must be an industry federation, industry body or membership-based professional body based in the Republic of Ireland. Enterprises within the network can be businesses of any size, including sole traders.
Applicants must also present a strong business case to Skillnet Ireland on the challenges and opportunities which exist within their sector and region, along with the current and future skills required to address them. In addition, the proposal should be aligned to national policy objectives for the relevant sector or region.
Applicants will receive support from Skillnet Ireland throughout the application process, says Flynn. “New network applicants will receive one-to-one support and consultation throughout the process, including virtual information sessions and workshops before the closing date for funding applications on October 14th.”