IRD Duhallow Skillnet

Skillnet steering group members Eileen Linehan and Michael Twohig planning the Skillnet activities for the remainder of the year with Louise Bourke, IRD Duhallow. Since Duhallow Skillnet was founded in May of 2015 we have supported 5,674 Trainees across 2,510 member companies to attend 35,372 training days. The aim of the Skillnet is to provide affordable, quality training to businesses within the Duhallow Region. The year 2020-2021 brought with it many challenges, primarily that our training model had to completely adapt to purely online delivery. However, it also brought with it great opportunities to access a wider range of trainers from all across the globe. It gave businesses the chance to take stock, conduct a skills audit and afforded them the time to upskill and address identified skills gaps.

Statement of Strategy 2021-2025

In November, Skillnet Ireland launched their statement of strategy for 2021 – 2025. The new strategy centres around three key pillars:

1. Workforce Design 2. People Development 3. Strategic Innovation

Duhallow Skillnet is working on the delivering our training using the strategic focus of these three key themes. We look forward to working with businesses to support the talent demands for a more digital future and building a low-carbon and sustainable economy. By developing our talented workforce within the Duhallow Region we will ensure businesses are equipped for the future.

Fit 2 Work Portal

In conjunction with the IACT we developed an online learning hub. Funded as part of the Skillnet EAP programme, through this free portal, participants can access up to 50 hours of training across three themed areas: Computer Skills, Personal Skills and Career Skills. Over 60 participants have availed of the programmes on the hub throughout the past year.

Health Care Support Worker

COVID brought with it a huge demand on an already stretched health care sector. The QQI Level 5 programme in Health care funded through Skills Connect saw 12 participants successfully graduate from the Health Care Support Worker QQI Level 5 major award. 85% of those have gone straight from graduation into employment and one went on to undertake further studies.

Training for the Childcare Sector

This year saw Duhallow Skillet deliver our first Level 8 programme in a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Early Childhood Education & Care in conjunction with IT Carlow. Thirty trainees have completed the course and are set to graduate this Autumn. The success of this is evident in that Duhallow Skillnet in conjunction with IT Carlow will this year be delivering a number of Level 7 programmes.

Rebound Childcare Initiative

In response to challenges presented by COVID-19, a partnership of four regional Skillnet Business Networks (Duhallow, MBE, Limerick Chamber and Next Level) in conjunction with Early Childhood Ireland developed a free online training portal for owners, managers and staff of early years and school age childcare services, the first online training portal of its kind for the 3,500 childcare services nationwide. The training addressed the measures needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and supported the safe and sustainable re-opening of the sector.

The rebound programme was based online and covered two vital areas: Return to Work Safely training, as well as an online Compliance Programme to maintain and develop skills of existing staff and support the induction of new staff. Following on from these, participants could choose to partake in a number of additional optional modules including Computer Skills, Personal Skills as well as Health and Safety.

Digital Marketing Programme

Through the newly introduced Skills Connect measure of Rebuilding Businesses and Supporting Impacted Workers, IRD Duhallow delivered a 10-week Digital Marketing programme. This programme was entirely aimed at women who were on the live register due to COVID-19 and it incorporated a QQI Level 5 certificate in Digital Marketing as well as one to one mentoring, workshops with industry experts accompanied by CV preparation and interview skills. Fourteen participants successfully completed the programme.

Skillnet Ireland CEO Paul Healy and Chairperson Brendan McGinty launching the Skillnet Ireland statement of strategy 2021-2025

Dave Flynn, Executive Director with Skillnet Ireland speaking at the online graduation ceremony in March.

Right: During Level 5 lockdowns salon consultant Liz McKeon delivered a series of seminars 'Roadmap to Reopening ' for those working in the hair and beauty industry. Lámh Tutor Barbara Roche delivering a Lámh 1 programme online.

“The impact of Skillnet Ireland’ s Rebound Initiative on our sector has been both immediate and immense. The partnership has been invaluable to our members in ensuring that they can return to work in a safe and confident way, allowing them to focus on providing safe, amazing experiences for young children. ”

Elaine Sharkey, Director of Communications & Development, Early Childhood Ireland

Tutor Karen Twomey from the Communication Hub preparing to give an Instagram Workshop to members of Duhallow Skillnet