What Is Skills Connect?
Skills Connect facilitates the rapid reskilling of workers seeking re-entry into the workforce.
Skills Connect is designed in partnership with enterprise to enhance cross-sector employability and support people who have lost their jobs. It offers a suite of bespoke upskilling and training solutions, designed by enterprise, aimed at supporting re-entry into the workforce. Skills Connect offers free training programmes and enterprise-led job placements to unemployed individuals (see eligibility criteria here). This initiative offers individuals the opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence and access practical on-the-job training.
A number of our Skillnet Business Networks deliver Skills Connect programmes in a range of areas including medtech manufacturing, cyber security, wind energy, software programming, customer service and CX.
Skills Connect For Individuals
Skills Connect offers free training which will help you develop technical and soft skills that employers are looking for today. In addition, many programmes offer practical work placements or projects. Skills Connect participants must meet the Skills Connect eligibility criteria and meet the specific entry criteria for the relevant programme.
Benefits for individuals:
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Training Programmes: Take advantage of new job opportunities with a range of programmes designed with enterprise to assist you in developing new skills.
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Structured Career Support: Career development support that offers new perspectives and approaches to expanding your career choices.
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Practical Experience: Skills Connect includes practical industry-based placements and projects with employers which offer the opportunity to apply your new skills.
Skills Connect For Businesses
Skills Connect can address challenges including digitalisation and sustainability facing enterprise and our workforce by increasing the available talent pool. Skillnet Business Networks work in partnership with enterprise to design rapid upskilling supports to impacted workers.
Benefits for businesses:
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Enterprise-led Programmes: Skills Connect works with businesses to equip impacted workers with new skills that are transferrable across multiple sectors.
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Supporting Ireland's Workforce: Businesses can make a difference by supporting unemployed individuals through practical industry-based placements.
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Access to Talent and Future Skills: Skills Connect provides businesses with the talent and skills essential for future success.
How To Access Skills Connect
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STEP 1: Visit Skillnet Business Network websites to view their upcoming Skills Connect programmes.
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STEP 2: Apply directly to the relevant Skillnet Business Network for the programme that you are interested in.
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STEP 3: Successful applicants join the Skills Connect programme and associated work placement.
Skillnet Ireland and our 70 Business Networks are continuously working with enterprise partners to ensure an extensive range of supports are in place to assist businesses and the workforce develop the skills needed for the future of work.
Businesses that are interested in finding out more about Skillnet Ireland and/or participating in this initiative are requested to contact the most relevant Skillnet Business Network for their own sector or region.
The demand and growth in digital and technology skills requirements is accelerating faster than planned. New programmes, especially ones like the “Future in Tech” that are industry led, industry mentored and industry certified, provide a new pipeline of talented individuals who are immediately employable. This programme provides a unique opportunity for individuals to consider a career in technology, affording them extensive employment options across all sectors.
Dejan Cusic
Business Director Ireland, Comtrade Digital Services
