Highlights from Skillnet Ireland North East Regional Roadshow.

On the 23rd of January, the Skillnet Ireland Regional roadshow arrived at Creative Spark in Dundalk, home of Learning Waves Skillnet.  The network was delighted to be joined by Dundalk Chamber Skillnet, Positive2Work Skillnet and M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet to showcase the impact of the networks across the sector.  

The energy in the room was palpable as industry, academics, and government came together to demonstrate just how much this region is ready to lead in the areas of skills and workforce development, as well as upskilling. Both Skillnet Ireland and the industry networks were delighted to be joined by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, Deputy Erin McGreehan, Deputy Paula Butterly and Aidan Browne from DKIT.  And the expert panel, the message was clear: if the independent radio sector is to thrive in 2026, there must be continuous investment in our people.

The event was opened by Thomas McDonagh, Promoter, Dundalk Chamber Skillnet, who spoke about how the partnership with Skillnet Ireland has been a "key development" in the provision of  "fully skilled programmes for trainees." He highlighted that "Skillnet Ireland helps them to attract graduates" and emphasised that "Skillnet training isn't just theoretical; it’s practical and visible support for employees."  Thomas noted that as the industry "looks ahead toward digital sustainability and AI, the need for responsive in-house training has never been more important." This practical approach ensures that the knowledge economy continues to "bring breakthroughs to fruition" across all sectors.  

Minister Lawless was then invited to give a keynote address.  In his address, Minister Lawless spoke of the "power of working together" and that it is through this power "we project strength." He spoke passionately about the importance of the work being done by Skillnet Ireland networks, stating that  "people are our greatest national asset; our primary resource is talent—it is our miracle."  In addition to this, Minister Lawless hailed the official unlocking of the €1.5 billion National Training Fund surplus as a major milestone.  Minister Lawless said he "championed unlocking our national fund" and "got it passed through" in his first year. Now effective, this means "new expenditure for skills, modern equipment, and modern facilities." Lawless reminded the room that "innovation and learning are here in the North East," and that while content changes, the "openness to embrace change has remained" in the region. The Minister also spoke about the establishment of the National Skills Observatory, which will bring together intelligence on emerging skills and will give data and insights in real time.  

Rising to the digital challenge, Mark Jordan, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland, brought some eye-opening statistics to the table, noting that "36% of businesses say half their workforce will need upskilling in the next 3 to 4 years." He emphasised that "we as a nation must rise" to meet these "landscape challenges" because "we need the right people with the right skills." Jordan shared the firm belief that "investing in skills is not just about business; it is about investing in people and individuals." For the radio industry, this means leaning into digitalisation and AI. As Minister Lawless pointed out, "digitalisation is essential", and we must "ensure that assets are nurtured in a changing world" by making "machines and systems work for us."

The final session on the day looked how industry, academics and government can work together with a panel discussion featuring Aidan Browne, Head of Innovation & Business Development at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), Aidan Callan, Network Manager at Dundalk Chamber Skillnet, William Burke, Cluster General Manager for the Fairways and Gateway Hotels, and Deputy Erin McGreehan, Cathaoirleach of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The panel discussed how to "add value to business" by ensuring we have "happy employees." Aidan Callan explained that they "try to go beyond just why a company wants a programme" and "help bridge gaps through funding and training." Deputy McGreehan stressed that "to drive forward the economy, we have to learn to keep momentum going" through government support.
The panel concluded with some key messages:

 

• Be flexible, listen and let's be innovative in how we deliver funding.
• We have trusted organisations, like Skillnet Ireland, the IDA, etc., so let's support them more.
• Getting on the ground, feedback is key to meeting industry and employee needs.
• Know the participant journey and be agile in the delivery of the company's needs.

 

Overall, the message of the day was that businesses need to thrive, develop and scale and to do this, they need the right people with the right skills.   Skillnet Ireland networks convert innovation into economic impact and that unity and collaboration is our strength and through further investment from the National Training Fund, Skillnet Ireland networks can "be first for their county, their region and their country.  Minister Lawless concluded with, let's "turn talent into our economic advantage, if we do that then, we’ve done a good job."