Skillnet Business Networks win top prizes at L&DI; Excellence in Learning Awards

Taste 4 Success Skillnet and Blas na hÉireann claimed the honour of Best Coaching or Mentoring Initiative, for The Backyard at Blas, while XL Vets Skillnet won the Best Graduate Development Initiative category for its Veterinary Graduate Programme.  

Taste 4 Success Skillnet - Blas Backyard Mentoring Programme  

In 2017, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Blas na hÉireann - The Irish Food Awards - reached out to Taste 4 Success Skillnet and with their input and support created the Blas Backyard Mentoring Programme. The educational series allows producers to meet their industry colleagues, gain knowledge and find support for their businesses. Each year, a survey of food and drink producers right across Ireland is conducted to find out what challenges are most significant for them, what educational topics interest them most and where they need the support. The Blas Backyard programme has evolved since it first launched and now encompasses masterclasses, talks from both industry experts and those working in the food and drink sector, and a mentoring programme which offers support across a range of topics including branding, new product development and the use of public relations and social media campaigns to promote businesses. 

Commenting on the award win, Bridie Corrigan Matthew, Taste 4 Success Skillnet Network Manager, said: "We are deeply honoured that The Blas Backyard mentoring programme has been recognised by the Learning and Development Institute of Ireland and its panel of expert judges, who agreed it stood out as an exemplar of enterprise and industry experts coming together. Education, upskilling and helping Irish food producers is a key pillar of the initiative which has supported hundreds of producers since it was first launched."   

XL Vets Skillnet - Veterinary Graduate Programme  

XLVets Skillnet identified a gap in the sector and designed a comprehensive upskilling programme tailored specifically for new vets entering the profession. The Veterinary Graduate Programme, the first of its kind in veterinary in Ireland, places a strong emphasis on practical skills development, developing the core competencies which vets need to excel in the early years of their careers. The Veterinary Graduate Programme supports graduates to meet the day-to-day demands of the veterinary profession, ensures graduates possess practical clinical skills and experience to excel in diverse veterinary settings and provides support and resources to facilitate continuous learning and career advancement within the veterinary profession. 

Denise Duggan, XL Vets Skillnet Network Manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition. XLVets Veterinary Graduate Programme has been a crucial resource for the recruitment and retention of new vets within independent veterinary practices. Since 2017, we have supported over 100 graduates, offering a structured learning pathway and hands-on skill development under the guidance of experienced vets. Our programme enhances knowledge sharing, builds lasting relationships, and cultivates a collaborative community. This award highlights the dedication and hard work of our trainers and the XLVets Skillnet team, whose efforts have been instrumental to the programme’s success.” 

The L&DI Excellence in Learning Awards promotes excellence, best practice, and innovation in learning and development and highlights the importance of this area in today’s business climate. This year Skillnet Ireland proudly sponsored the Best Organisational Development & Transformation Initiative, which was won by Bank of Ireland.