Minister Harris encourages businesses to ‘Think Talent’ with launch of 3,000 business support programmes from Skillnet Ireland

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris joined Skillnet Ireland today to launch their ‘Think Talent’ campaign.

The campaign encourages companies to explore how talent development can deliver their business goals and to engage with the 3,000 business support programmes available as part of Skillnet Ireland’s Autumn schedule.

Launching the programme, Minister Harris said, “I am delighted to support the launch of Skillnet Ireland’s ‘Think Talent’ campaign. Talent development is vital in driving business success and Skillnet Ireland has an excellent track record in partnering with businesses to understand their skills needs. This campaign and the wide range of upskilling programmes available this Autumn will help a record number of businesses to ensure they have the right talent in place now and into the future.”

Speaking at the launch Paul Healy, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland, said “As businesses face significant challenges to remain competitive, it’s never been more critical to ‘think talent.’ Our nationwide campaign is calling on businesses of all sizes to consider how the right skills can help them thrive. Whether it is boosting innovation, tackling digitalisation or building sustainability skills, our Skillnet Business Networks and other dedicated talent initiatives will help businesses on that journey.”

Skillnet Ireland partners with industry bodies and businesses to create high-impact talent solutions that are responsive to business needs on the ground. The ‘Think Talent’ campaign highlights the wide range of supports available from Skillnet Ireland in areas including digitalisation, climate action, leadership development and workforce innovation.

More than 3,000 programmes are available to businesses this Autumn including many accredited programmes in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy management, supply chain and logistics, fintech, organic farming, retail, aviation, robotics, animation, design and advanced manufacturing.

72 Skillnet Business Networks operate nationwide providing subsidised talent development programmes to businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to the larger employers. Companies are encouraged to engage with the Skillnet Business Networks operating in their sector or region.

For more information on the ‘Think Talent’ campaign and the business supports available from Skillnet Ireland, visit skillnetireland.ie/think-talent.

A full list of all the Skillnet Business Networks is available at skillnetireland.ie/our-networks.