Latest news with #SkillnetIreland
Vancouver Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Opinion: Ireland provides a blueprint to boost Canadian productivity
In June, a delegation of 27 Canadian business, labour and post-secondary leaders travelled to Ireland to study how the nation secured its position as the European Union's leader in workforce development and skills training. Ireland's success in establishing co-ordinated, industry-driven training programs has delivered substantial economic benefits for workers and the broader economy. With 5.5 million residents — similar to B.C.'s population — this dynamic country provides important insights for Canada as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to establish Canada as the G7's fastest-growing economy. Ireland's extraordinary productivity achievements — ranking first in the OECD while Canada is 18th — stand in sharp contrast to our stagnant and marginally declining wealth creation per worker. A daily roundup of Opinion pieces from the Sun and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Informed Opinion will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Ireland has emerged as a global productivity leader, securing substantial foreign investment and maintaining full employment. The nation has successfully diversified its economy, establishing itself as a major exporter of technology services while building a sophisticated biopharmaceutical industry. Currently, it is applying these strategies to construction, addressing housing affordability challenges similar to Canada's. These accomplishments result from deliberate strategic investments in worker up-skilling and re-skilling, led by organizations such as Skillnet Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Canada has long lamented its relatively poor labour productivity performance among developed nations, at US$71.90 PPP (purchasing power parity) compared to Ireland's US$162.50 PPP in 2022). We cannot continue accepting this underperformance. Our productivity challenges stem largely from Canada's long-standing practice of disconnecting training from industry and actual workplaces, including small- and medium-sized enterprises — the foundation of Canada's economy and employment. Canada's skills training faces frequent criticism for being fragmented and overly jurisdictional, with provincial barriers that struggle to recognize equivalent domestic credentials and inadequate systems for evaluating the international qualifications of newcomers. Despite some recent improvements, we must adopt smarter and more ambitious approaches to achieve substantial, rapid progress in wealth generation through strategic 'nation building' investments from both public and private sectors. Skillnet Ireland demonstrates how public-private collaboration can create responsive, industry-led training systems. The Irish approach ensures workers develop skills that employers actually require, promoting both individual career advancement and national economic competitiveness. While Canada provides young people with solid foundations in literacy, numeracy, and interpersonal skills through high school, the country often fails to align post-secondary and skills training systems with labour market demands. This disconnect has been especially pronounced in sectors like construction, where skilled trades shortages threaten our capacity to complete major transportation, energy, and institutional infrastructure projects while hampering efforts to build affordable housing quickly. British Columbia's construction industry, trade unions, and post-secondary institutions should adopt Ireland's collaborative training model. Their tripartite system receives government support while maintaining greater industry-led decision making and independence through direct, sustainable funding through national payroll contributions. If Canadians collaborated more effectively to recruit, train and up-skill workers in high-demand trades, we could finally address the persistent labour shortages we have discussed for years. This would enable Canada's major employers and governments to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects more reliably and cost-effectively. Canada has failed to adequately replace retiring construction workers, with insufficient numbers entering relatively rigid, traditional trades training programs. Meanwhile, Ireland's government, industry associations, and unions are embracing technologies associated with modern methods of construction through substantial capacity-building investments. Canada's recent throne speech committed our manufacturing sector to producing new building technologies, including scaled production of modular building components. Strategic investments in lifelong learning, targeted re-skilling, and industry-education partnerships could dramatically improve our labour productivity. Ireland, known as the 'night course capital of Europe,' has cultivated a culture of continuous, industry-supported learning, proving that sustained workforce investment yields significant returns. This represents Canada's most pressing challenge — better preparing young people and current workers for future demands while facing potential major tariff barriers from our primary trading partner. Ireland's dedication to workforce development and skills training offers valuable lessons. Rather than resisting more direct industry-led approaches, we should embrace training that meets actual needs while positioning people for well-paid and fulfilling careers. To achieve G7 leadership in economic growth, workforce productivity must become central to our national strategy. Ireland's example is unmistakable: a skilled, adaptable workforce committed to continuous learning and up-skilling represents more than an economic advantage — it is the cornerstone of enhanced prosperity. Chris Atchison is president of the B.C. Construction Association. Rob Fleming is former B.C. minister of transportation and infrastructure. Matt Pitcairn is president of the B.C. Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association. Chris Wasilenchuk is president of the Construction, Maintenance and Allied Workers of Canada. Colin Ewart is former president of B.C. Colleges.
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Almost half of businesses in the North West require upskilling of their workforce
A recent research report from Skillnet Ireland entitled Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, shows a strong demand for upskilling among businesses in Ireland's North West, with a particular focus on digitalisation and the green economy. Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, attended a Skillnet Ireland regional roadshow event at the AIM Centre in Sligo. Speaking at the event, Minister Harkin said: 'This important research from Skillnet Ireland offers crucial insights into the changing needs of the North West's business landscape. 'It is evident that digital and sustainability skills will be key drivers of future growth. Addressing these challenges requires a strong, collaborative approach. 'By working in partnership with industry, we can support businesses across the region to have access to the talent, skills, and innovation they need to succeed.' The findings in the report will inform Skillnet Ireland's strategic commitment to the regional development of businesses facing an increasingly digital future, and a low-carbon and sustainable economy, as well as aiming to bolster foreign direct investment through a focus on talent development. Annually, over 1,100 businesses located in the North West participate in upskilling programmes with over 50 Skillnet Business Networks nationwide, some of which are located in the in the region, including Retail Ireland Skillnet, Rural Enterprise Skillnet Sligo Chamber Skillnet and Tech NorthWest Skillnet. Mark Jordan, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, said: 'Our findings for the North West are reflective of national trends. Irish businesses are ambitious and resilient but staying competitive in a rapidly evolving economy requires continuous investment in talent. At Skillnet Ireland, we recognise that upskilling and training are strategic drivers of innovation and growth. 'We are committed to partnering with industry to support companies to focus on talent development that is future-focused and closely aligned with business needs.' The research, part of the national talent development agency's Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, highlights the upskilling demands of companies in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal to remain competitive in Ireland's rapidly evolving digital and green economy. 91% of businesses surveyed in the North West regard their business as strong or very strong, while 59% expect a change in their core skills in the next two to three years. A quarter (26%) of businesses in the North West said they will need sustainability upskilling for their workforce in the coming years. Energy efficiency (79%), innovation and creativity (71%), and sustainable supply chain management (64%) top the list of climate action skills needed by local enterprises, while digital skills such as Microsoft Office proficiency (80%), cloud computing (63%), and Internet of Things (63%) are in particularly high demand. Despite the appetite for upskilling, the research also notes that time constraints are a significant barrier for businesses in the region, with over half (53%) of businesses citing time commitments as a major obstacle to employee development. The Skillnet Ireland Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, has built on the inaugural Ireland's Talent Landscape study of last year. The Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report is available to view at
Irish Examiner
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Mentors offer support to SMEs in a bid to halt small firm closures
Mentors are helping Irish small firms master AI and other new tech, guiding them through the impacts of the energy crisis, inflation, labour shortages, and now the growing risk of a trade war. David Broderick, director of the Small Firm's Association (SFA), is encouraging SMEs to participate in the latest MentorsWork programme, an initiative of Skillnet Ireland and the SFA. Since its launch in 2020, MentorsWork has supported nearly 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Ireland, investing €6.5m to drive SME growth, resilience, and innovation. It covers people management, business processes, finance, growth strategies, and digitalisation. This year's 12-week programme will support another 900 SME business owners and managers, from all industries with 1-250 employees. Each participant is given a dedicated, experienced mentor, plus masterclasses and peer-to-peer workshops. Research by business energy provider estimates that more than 3,250 Irish SMEs have closed since the start of 2025. In this Q&A interview, David Broderick of the SFA outlines the vital role that MentorsWork can play in minimising future SME casualties. Q1. In what ways can mentors help SMEs boost their resilience and innovation? For SMEs, resilience and innovation aren't just strategic advantages — they're essential to long-term survival. At the heart of the MentorsWork programme is the one-to-one mentoring relationship, which plays a critical role in empowering SME leaders to build both. MentorsWork offers each participant a dedicated, fully funded business mentor, carefully matched based on the specific needs of their company. These mentors bring real-world experience and sectoral expertise, working closely with SME owners over a 12-week period to tackle pressing challenges and identify growth opportunities. The process begins with a detailed online competency assessment to pinpoint the business's greatest needs, allowing the mentor to help create a personalised, actionable Business Improvement Plan. Since its launch in 2020, MentorsWork has supported nearly 4,000 SMEs across Ireland, with €6.5 million invested to date. The mentors in the programme guide businesses through key areas such as digital transformation, financial planning, people management, and sustainability — all crucial levers for resilience and innovation. What makes the mentoring model truly powerful is its adaptability — mentors don't just address the issues business owners come in with — they often uncover challenges the owners hadn't yet identified, such as inefficiencies in business processes or gaps in digital readiness. By offering tailored advice and a fresh perspective, mentors help SMEs make informed decisions, adopt new technologies, and prepare for future risks. Beyond the one-to-one sessions, mentors also help connect participants to the wider learning ecosystem within the programme — from expert-led masterclasses to peer-to-peer workshops. Here, SMEs gain additional insights on topics like cybersecurity, employee wellbeing, and strategic finance, while also helping business owners learn from their peers. By the end of the programme, SMEs walk away with a practical, mentor-guided Business Improvement Plan — a clear roadmap for the next stage of their development. For those requiring additional support, post-programme consultancy and tailored team training are also available. Q2. Do the SMEs using MentorsWork each have individual needs from the programme's range of supports? Absolutely. One of the key strengths of MentorsWork is its customised approach. No two SMEs are the same and neither are their needs, with the programme structured to reflect that. Often, business owners come to MentorsWork thinking they need support in one area, only to discover — through the initial assessment and mentor conversations — that the root of the challenge lies elsewhere. For example, a company may think it has a sales issue, but the deeper problem may lie in operational inefficiencies. This is why the bespoke mentoring model is so impactful. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all curriculum, MentorsWork tailors its support based on each SMEs' specific needs. The one-to-one mentoring provides the space for reflection and strategic thinking, supported by targeted learning from industry experts. As the programme spans such a diverse range of sectors — from lifestyle and retail to childcare, beauty, manufacturing, and technology — the level of personalisation ensures that every SME receives relevant, practical, and actionable advice that makes a real difference to their growth trajectory. Q3. Can the programme help small businesses adopt new technologies and adjust to ever-changing market dynamics? Yes, and in today's business environment, this has never been more critical. The MentorsWork programme is constantly evolving to stay ahead of SME needs and has increasingly focused on helping businesses harness the potential of new and emerging technologies. Digitalisation, automation, and the adoption of AI are now central themes in many of the programme's masterclasses and mentoring sessions. Recognising the speed at which technology is reshaping industries, MentorsWork provides a safe and supported space for SMEs to explore, understand, and implement tools that can enhance their efficiency, customer service, and competitiveness. With over 130 workshops and masterclasses tailored specifically to current business challenges, SMEs are not only reacting to change — they are now being positioned to lead it. This proactive approach allows SMEs to experiment with new ideas and respond to market dynamics with agility and confidence. Read More Business movers: People starting new jobs in Ireland Q4. Given the high casualty rate for SMEs, how vital is the role of MentorsWork in helping indigenous businesses deal with current challenges? The role of MentorsWork has never been more important. Irish SMEs haven't had a chance to recover since the pandemic — instead, they've been hit by a series of back-to-back challenges: from Covid-19 to the energy crisis, inflation, labour shortages, and now the growing risk of a trade war. In this context, MentorsWork plays a vital role in strengthening the foundations of indigenous SMEs. By offering free, accessible, and expert-led support, the programme ensures that SMEs have a fair opportunity to thrive. It's not just about growth; it's about survival and sustainability. MentorsWork provides the practical tools, strategic guidance, and peer networks that allow SMEs to navigate uncertainty, future-proof their operations, and build long-term resilience. As the programme looks ahead to supporting 900 more SMEs by the end of 2025, its mission remains clear: to empower business owners with the skills, confidence, and clarity they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
RTÉ News
20-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
MentorsWork invests €6.5m to support SMEs since 2020
MentorsWork, an initiative of Skillnet Ireland in partnership with the Small Firms Association (SFA), celebrates its five-year anniversary this week. Since its launch in 2020, MentorsWork has provided targeted business supports to nearly 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country and invested €6.5m to drive SME growth, resilience, and innovation. MentorsWork provides targeted support across critical areas, including digitisation, HR management, sales, finance, marketing, sustainability, and overall business growth. The initiative is open to business owners and managers from all industries with one to 250 employees. The 12-week programme introduces participants to a dedicated and experienced mentor who works with them to address their specific areas of concern, alongside masterclasses and peer-to-peer workshops. Mark Jordan, chief executive of Skillnet Ireland, said the programme is a fantastic resource for SMEs, delivering practical supports and strategic guidance to businesses across Ireland. "Expert mentors provide education and information to SME owners on how to innovate, adopt new technologies and adjust to ever-changing market dynamics - particularly in the current economic and technological climate," he said. "It is a testament to the success of the programme that it has reached this half decade milestone, and we look forward to its continued success and growth into the future," he added. David Broderick, Director of the Small Firms Association, said the five year milestone reflects the strength and value of the MentorsWork programme in helping SMEs overcome real-world challenges. "The initiative has been a game-changer for so many businesses. By addressing specific needs and equipping SMEs with tailored support and mentoring, we are helping them not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive environment," he added.
