ICBE Advanced Productivity Skillnet

Network Overview

ICBE Advanced Productivity Skillnet is a multi-sector business Network for companies of all sizes in a broad range of industries including manufacturing, food, medical devices, pharmaceutical, and financial services. The Network’s mission is to improve the business performance and competitive advantage of enterprises through subsidised upskilling programmes relating to innovation, process improvement, Lean and Six Sigma strategic deployment.

Collaborating with industry, the Network designs, develops and delivers responsive, bespoke and flexible training courses to meet the ongoing needs of businesses. ICBE Advanced Productivity Skillnet is promoted by the Irish Centre for Business Excellence (ICBE). The Network is open to private enterprises in relevant sectors.

Supports to businesses

• Assist businesses to identify and address current and future skills needs 
• Information regarding successful approaches to learning and talent development 
• Guidance on achieving value for money when investing in learning and development 
• Strategic programmes that enhance business innovation and sectoral competitiveness 
• Flexible training and education programmes customised to the needs of the sector 
• Innovative programme design and development 
• Leadership programmes for business owners and executives 
• Certified and non-certified technical training 
• Training relating to communication, problem-solving and other core skills 
• Advice on gauging the effectiveness of training 
• Access to a network of businesses within the sector 
• Conferences, seminars, and other informal learning and networking events 

“Merit Medical have engaged with ICBE Advanced Productivity Skillnet for years now and find the learning development offering to be of the highest calibre. One such offering is the opportunity to benchmark against other companies and we recently went on a benchmarking visit with Analog Devices. This was a great experience that has already enabled other opportunities and we will be having further discussions on working towards supporting a Shingo option.”

“The ICBE Advanced Productivity Skillnet has given our company invaluable support in the journey towards operational excellence. Its network forums, best-practice visits, high quality training and business conferences have provided us with a benchmark to grow and transform our organisation and to help ensure our long-term success. The success of the Network for us was most evidently seen when we were awarded the international Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence by the Shingo Institute.”

Sean Kelly - Abbott Longford