Skillnet Ireland 2023 Annual Report Shows Significant Buy-in From Irish Businesses

Skillnet Ireland, the national talent development agency of Ireland, reports a significant increase in its supports to businesses of all sizes in its 2023 Annual Report.

26,626 businesses received upskilling and training programmes amounting to 97,776 workers right across the Irish economy. Contributions from businesses represented €31.4 million or 37% of the total investment, a €4.9 million increase on 2022, which signals a high level of buy-in from industry to developing their teams in partnership with Skillnet Ireland.

Commenting on the performance of Skillnet Ireland in 2023, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said: “The Irish economy continues to benefit greatly from Skillnet Ireland’s delivery of industry-led upskilling initiatives for businesses of all sizes. More than 97,000 people working in companies across Ireland took part in upskilling with Skillnet Ireland in 2023, across areas of increasing importance such as sustainability, digitalisation, innovation, and leadership. These results demonstrate the significant work that is ongoing to nurture and support our nation’s greatest asset, our talent.”

Brendan McGinty, Chairperson, Skillnet Ireland, said: “2023 was a milestone year for Skillnet Ireland, as we built upon our steadfast commitment to build competitiveness for businesses through skills on behalf of the Government of Ireland. At a time of profound change for the corporate world, Skillnet Ireland is committed to supporting companies to remain ambitious, to engage in lifelong learning, and to grasp the new opportunities presented by technological innovation, digitalisation, and the green transition.”

Paul Healy, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Skillnet Ireland, there is increasing recognition among employers of the importance of upskilling in a competitive and rapidly evolving business landscape. By investing in staff, through the cost sharing approach with Skillnet Ireland, businesses are more agile and adapt to technological advancements more seamlessly. Upskilling is proven to increase employee retention and creates a pipeline of future talent. I would like to commend the almost 27,000 companies that chose to work with Skillnet Ireland in 2023 and for putting the development of their teams centre stage. We look forward to continuing to support businesses, and the Irish workforce into the future.”

In 2023, Skillnet Ireland delivered several large-scale talent initiatives in collaboration with industry and higher education institutes to meet complex enterprise challenges and to deliver specialist sectoral skills programmes. Skillnet Ireland was pleased to launch its first European Social Fund ESF+ programme in 2023 which commenced delivery in January 2024. ESF+ will facilitate Skillnet Ireland to make a significant impact on developing Ireland’s skilled and resilient workforce and deliver measurable results in furthering social inclusion in the years ahead.

14,021 workers benefited from Skillnet Ireland supported digital skills programmes in 2023, with a dual focus on specialised talent for new or emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and in enabling digital transformation within the SME sector. Skillnet Ireland also increased the number of programmes aimed at helping businesses respond to climate change, with 4,672 businesses and 7,200 workers supported in taking a step towards a greener future.

2023 marked the mid-way point of Skillnet Ireland’s current five-year strategy and the report provides a progress update on the plan along with case studies of Skillnet Ireland collaborations with industry, higher education, and other stakeholders.

• To read the 2023 Annual Report in full, click here.
• To view the 2023 summary results infographic, click here.

Watch the video below to hear from Paul Healy, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland and Brendan McGinty, Chairperson, Skillnet Ireland, as they discuss the launch of the Skillnet Ireland 2023 Annual Report.