Learning Waves and Skillnet Ireland : Spearheading Workforce Development.

Skillnet Ireland, the national agency for workforce development, has published its 2022 Annual Report, reporting a significant increase in its supports to Irish businesses. Skillnet Ireland delivered upskilling and training programmes to the value of €70.2 million in 2022, providing upskilling programmes to 24,747 businesses and 92,489 workers right across the economy and regions. 2022 marked a significant milestone for Skillnet Ireland with the announcement of an expanded mandate by Government, reinforcing Skillnet Ireland’s reputation as an innovative, responsive organisation with deep roots with industry. Working together with its members, Skillnet Ireland made immense strides in 2022 and collectively they responded with agility and impact to Government workforce development priorities and to the talent challenges facing business. As a member of Skillnet Ireland, Learning Waves was amongst the businesses delivering high-quality training, being the number one training provider for the Independent Commercial Radio Sector in Ireland.  

Launching the Annual Report Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris said: “Skillnet Ireland’s results demonstrate our commitment to workforce development and supporting upskilling for businesses of all sizes in Ireland. In 2022, Skillnet Ireland provided upskilling programmes for over 92,000 workers in key areas such as digital skills and skills for the green transition, together with a wide range of supports for the small firm's sector.”

Learning Waves delivered a variety of courses in Digital Skills in 2022, such as the Certificate in Digital Sales for Radio, Mastering Adobe Audition and Podcasting for Radio Course. In addition to this, Learning Waves developed an Environmental Sustainability training programme for its members which was delivered over 6 weeks.  Learning Waves is also supporting the 'Ours to Protect' project which is being rolled out across the sector through the design and delivery of training programmes with our training partner THINKHOUSE.  The network in partnership with the sector conducted research among all employees to establish their perception of Diveristy and Inclusion in the sector.  This will allow the sector to develop an overall EDI strategy which is currently in development. In 2022, Learning Waves contributed 2,903 training days to 517 employees to the overall Skillnet Ireland target. 

Brendan McGinty, Chairperson, Skillnet Ireland, said: “2022 was another excellent year for Skillnet Ireland amidst a challenging year for businesses. 2022 also marked a significant milestone for Skillnet Ireland with the announcement by Minister Simon Harris of a strengthened mandate reinforcing our mission to focus on workforce development working in partnership with the enterprise sector. In this EU year of skills we are making substantial progress in futureproofing Irish business through talent development so employers fully capitalise on the opportunities presented by technological innovation, digitalisation and the green transition.” 

Earlier this year, Simon Harris launched the EU Year of Skills initiative with Skillnet Ireland. Minister Harris brought to cabinet a report concluding an intensive review process led by the Department for Further and Higher Education in partnership with OECD. Ensuring the constant examination of Irelands National Skills Strategy, the findings show that there is a need for investment in learning for all people, but more particularly for people who may be past the typical tertiary demographic. Learning Waves will continue to play its part in raising the skill levels in the radio sector in Ireland by providing high quality training that is accessible to all across the sector.  

Paul Healy, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “As knowledge-based economy nurturing our highly skilled workforce is central to our national competitiveness. Skillnet Ireland’s approach is based on flexibility, working with companies to respond to new industry trends in a fast and targeted way. We look forward to growing our partnerships with industry, higher education and state agencies in 2023.” 

Teresa Hanratty, Network Manager, Learning Waves Skillnet, said: "Learning Waves is delighted to be part of the Skillnet Ireland network as funding received from Skillnet Ireland which is then matched by our member organisations allows the network to support the Independent Radio Sector in Ireland on its talent development journey.  In addition to this the funding provides for the provision of high quality training and networking opportunties for all those working in the sector, something which would not be possible without the support of Skillnet Ireland."

The Skillnet Ireland Annual Report 2022 is available to download here.