Skillnet Ireland

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Skillnet Ireland Government business support agency, working with companies to develop the talent they need to succeed

Skillnet Ireland is a business support agency of the Government of Ireland. Our mandate is to advance the competitiveness, productivity and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led workforce development. We believe that maintaining a highly skilled workforce is essential to our national competitiveness. Our business is to ensure that your business has the skills it needs to thrive. We currently support over 18,000 businesses nationwide and provide a wide range of valuable learning experiences to over 70,000 trainees. Our mission is to facilitate increased participation in enterprise training and workforce learning in Ireland.

“As AI and digital technologies continue to reshape business models and workforce requirements, collaboration between en...
16/10/2026

“As AI and digital technologies continue to reshape business models and workforce requirements, collaboration between enterprise, education and policymakers will be essential to ensuring Ireland has the skills and capabilities needed to remain competitive,” said Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, speaking at Digital Talent EU Days 2026.

Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, and Ken Finnegan, Chief Strategy Officer, spoke at Digital Talent EU Days 2026 at Trinity College Dublin Business School, contributing to discussions on digital skills, AI and workforce capability.

Mark participated in the panel discussion New Models for Industry Talent Development, exploring how industry led approaches can support the development of future skills. Ken joined the panel Access to the Workforce in the Realm of AI, examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping workforce requirements and the growing importance of upskilling and reskilling.

The discussions reinforced the critical role of skills development in supporting innovation, productivity and long term competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy.

Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet

Innovation, AI and competitiveness were central themes at the Innovation Summit 2026, hosted by Skillnet Innovation Exch...
15/10/2026

Innovation, AI and competitiveness were central themes at the Innovation Summit 2026, hosted by Skillnet Innovation Exchange in Cork.

Bringing together business leaders, innovators, researchers and policymakers, the summit explored how organisations can turn innovation into impact through workforce capability development.

A highlight of the event was the contribution from Michael McGrath EU Commissioner, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, who outlined the opportunities for Ireland and Europe in building a more competitive economy.

Also speaking during the summit, Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, emphasised the role of enterprise-led skills development in enabling businesses to adopt new technologies, drive innovation and strengthen competitiveness.

Today, Skillnet Ireland joined Minister James Lawless TD and Minister Smyth TD as well as business leaders, policymaker...
14/10/2026

Today, Skillnet Ireland joined Minister James Lawless TD and Minister Smyth TD as well as business leaders, policymakers, educators and innovators to explore how, during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU, we can build the skills and capabilities to thrive in an AI-enabled future. At our Innovation Spotlight stand, Skillnet Ireland showcased how enterprise-led workforce development can help businesses to adopt AI to strengthen their competitiveness for a next-generation future.

Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation & Science; Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; Commission; SOLAS; Higher Education Authority; Chambers Ireland; IDA Ireland; itag Skillnet; Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet.

12/10/2026

Great business takes skills.

Through enterprise led workforce development, Skillnet Ireland supports businesses across Ireland to build capability, adapt to change and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Discover how Skillnet Ireland can support your business: https://bit.ly/GreatBusinessTakesSkills

Skillnet Ireland was proud to sponsor Learnovation 2026, bringing together leaders from business, learning and technolog...
09/10/2026

Skillnet Ireland was proud to sponsor Learnovation 2026, bringing together leaders from business, learning and technology to explore the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in a changing world of work.

Michelle Thompson, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Skillnet Ireland, joined a panel discussion alongside representatives from IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and SOLAS, sharing insights from Skillnet Ireland's Talent Landscape research.

The discussion highlighted the importance of planning for future skills needs, unlocking the potential of existing workforces and building capability from within. As organisations continue to navigate AI adoption, digital transformation and evolving business models, workforce development remains central to productivity, innovation and competitiveness.

Learnovation 2026 reinforced the value of collaboration across industry, education and government to ensure businesses have access to the skills and workforce capabilities needed to support sustainable growth and long term competitiveness.

L-R: Trishul S Kalevar, ACA, Michelle Thompson, Kathryn Snell, Paul Hyland, from Skillnet Ireland.

Skillnet Ireland to invest €82m in workforce development for businesses in 2027. Brigid McManus, Chairperson, Skillnet I...
08/10/2026

Skillnet Ireland to invest €82m in workforce development for businesses in 2027.

Brigid McManus, Chairperson, Skillnet Ireland, said; “ Over the past year, Skillnet Ireland has seen strong demand from businesses of all sizes for workforce development supports that help them to adapt to the environment, to innovate, and most importantly, to compete. We welcome Minister James Lawless’s commitment announced in the budget to address emerging skills needs in artificial intelligence and digital technologies. This reflects the future focused ambition required to secure Ireland’s competitiveness and will strengthen our collective capacity to develop a workforce equipped for the opportunities of an AI-driven economy.”

Read more here: https://www.skillnetireland.ie/news/skillnet-ireland-to-invest-82m-in-workforce-development-for-businesses-in-2027

James Lawless TD, Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation & Science

“This research provides valuable insights into the workforce challenges facing Irish enterprises and highlights the impo...
03/10/2026

“This research provides valuable insights into the workforce challenges facing Irish enterprises and highlights the importance of ensuring businesses have access to the skills they need to grow, innovate and succeed.” said Minister James Lawless, speaking at the launch of Ireland’s Talent Landscape report by Skillnet Ireland.

Now in its third year, Ireland’s Talent Landscape tracks changing workforce priorities and the emerging skills needs across the Irish economy. The new study found that more than half of companies expect the core skills required by their workforce to change over the next three years, rising to 79% among larger organisations.

The findings of Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2026 will help inform the implementation of Skillnet Ireland’s strategy to build next-generation competitiveness through workforce transformation, leadership development, digital and AI adoption, sustainability and enterprise innovation. Read more on our website - www.skillnetireland.ie

Dept Further and Higher Ed

Ireland's approach to workforce development, innovation and enterprise competitiveness was the focus of a recent engagem...
01/10/2026

Ireland's approach to workforce development, innovation and enterprise competitiveness was the focus of a recent engagement with senior business leaders from New Zealand as part of the Trans Tasman Business Circle Executive Study Tour.

Skillnet Ireland welcomed the delegation to discuss our enterprise led model for talent development, highlighting how collaboration between businesses, academia and public stakeholders supports workforce capability, innovation and business growth.

The discussion also explored emerging skills trends and showcased examples of innovation taking place across Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives.

International collaboration and knowledge sharing play an important role in strengthening competitiveness, and it was valuable to exchange insights on the opportunities and challenges facing businesses in an evolving global economy.

As AI and advanced digital technologies continue to transform how organisations operate, access to the right supports ha...
01/10/2026

As AI and advanced digital technologies continue to transform how organisations operate, access to the right supports has never been more important.

The launch of ENTIRE 2.0 marks an important step in supporting SMEs and public sector organisations on their digital transformation journeys.

As a key project partner, Skillnet Ireland will lead the development and delivery of digital upskilling and cybersecurity readiness supports, helping organisations build the skills and capabilities needed to adopt new technologies with confidence.

Through collaboration across Ireland's innovation ecosystem, ENTIRE 2.0 will support organisations to embrace innovation, enhance competitiveness and unlock new opportunities through digital transformation.

We look forward to supporting its impact across Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland | European Digital Innovation Hubs Network | Tyndall National Institute | Walton Institute | University College Cork | Munster Technological University | SETU Research, Innovation and Impact

The Elevate HR Celebration of Learning marked the conclusion of another successful programme supporting HR professionals...
30/09/2026

The Elevate HR Celebration of Learning marked the conclusion of another successful programme supporting HR professionals to develop the skills, networks and confidence needed to grow into leadership roles.

Delivered through a collaborative partnership between Skillnet Ireland, , IDA Ireland, leading employers and industry partners, Elevate HR combines mentoring, peer learning and practical development opportunities to strengthen leadership capability within the HR profession.

Congratulations to all participants, mentors and programme partners whose commitment to learning and professional development continues to support stronger workplaces and business performance across Ireland.

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5th Floor, Q House, 76 Furze Road, Sandyford
Dublin
D12

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Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

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+35312916600

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