On the 12th of September 2023 it@cork Skillnet, one of 70 Skillnet Ireland Business Networks nationwide, has announced a rebrand of its Skillnet Business Network as Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet.
Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet is committed to supporting technology companies in the South-West region, through the provision of cutting-edge upskilling programmes. Collaborating with businesses, the network provides guidance for every aspect of talent development, including research, programme design, acquisition, funding and evaluation, covering all IT domains and business and leadership functions. It serves a rapidly growing network of 250 ambitious technology producing and technology enabled businesses throughout the South-West.
Skillnet Ireland is the national talent development agency of the Government of Ireland, responsible for advancing the competitiveness, productivity, and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led talent development. Across 2022, Skillnet Ireland delivered upskilling and training programmes, worth €70.2 million, to almost 25,000 businesses and over 92,000 workers through its 70 Skillnet Business Networks across most sectors and all regions in Ireland.
The Tech sector in the South-West plays a pivotal role in the region’s economy, representing over 1,500 ICT companies and 19,000 employees, accounting for 14% of all ICT employees in Ireland (CSO, 2020).
The Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet rebrand marks a significant milestone for the Skillnet Business Network which is celebrating 10 years supporting companies in the region. During this period, the network has supported hundreds of companies and thousands of individuals to up and cross skill across a wide portfolio of tech capabilities. The network has grown dramatically over the period and with this new identity, Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet is looking forward to continued growth, while helping companies achieve their talent development and management strategies and objectives.
Annette Coburn, Network Manager of Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet, said the network is committed to addressing the technology skills needs of Tech businesses operating in the region.
“Since the ending of the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen very high and accelerated demand for upskilling and reskilling. The portfolio of tech training that we support is broadening in line with the rapid changes across the technology landscape. This encompasses both traditional tech skills as well as the new areas such as Generative AI, next generation Automation using Machine-learning tools etc. Unlocking available talent is a key priority for the companies we support. We invite everyone to visit our new website – www.techiaskillnet.ie to explore the ways we can help companies in the South-West,” she said.
John Drury, Programme Manager of Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet, said the network is offering its broadest and widest set of supports ever.
“We are equally focused on supporting small and medium businesses, as well as the multinational sector. This year alone we have launched several new programmes across, for example, sustainability best practices for software development engineers, embedding effective metrics to help scale businesses, use of consulting supports to help with strategizing new talent strategies and ways of working for learning and development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Laura Hughes, Promoter of Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet, added that the network is “empowering tech organisations to bridge the knowledge gap, harness emerging technologies, and cultivate a workforce primed for the challenges of tomorrow”.
Further information about how Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet is shaping the future of Tech in the South-West region is available on the network’s new website.