Huge uptake recorded in Skillnet Ireland programmes in Limerick

MORE than 3,600 people and 1,100 businesses in Limerick took part in upskilling programmes last year.

The figures have been provided in the Skillnet Ireland Business Network’s annual report.

A Skillnet Business Network is a cluster of private sector businesses that collaborate based on their sector or region to address skills needs and provide upskilling and reskilling programmes and supports to companies that are part of that same network.
It is managed by Skillnet Ireland, the national agency for business talent development.

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In total, more than 30,300 training days took place in Limerick last year. Six in every 10 participants were men, with the remainder women.

Those aged between 30 and 39 availed of upskilling supports more than any other age.

The vast majority, 92%, of companies in Limerick that upskilled employees with Skillnet Ireland in 2024 were small to medium size enterprises.

The greatest uptake came from the technology sector followed by services, agriculture, pharmaceutical, health, food and drink plus tourism and travel.

Companies based in Limerick undertook upskilling programmes with more than 50 of the 70 Skillnet Business Networks based on the sector in which their company operates, or with one of the networks in their region.

Among the firms taking part in the city are Limerick Chamber.

Skillnet Ireland chief executive, Mark Jordan, said: “As a knowledge-based economy nurturing our highly skilled workforce is central to our national competitiveness. We are proud to support employers throughout Ireland to both invest in their teams and strengthen Ireland’s position as a leader in innovation and sustainable growth.”