11,600 workers in Cork used State's upskilling initiatives 

Nationally, in 2025, over 23,000 businesses received upskilling and training programmes for 84,515 workers in 2025, at a cost of €74m

Skillnet Ireland chief executive Mark Jordan with Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless  and Brigid McManus, Skillnet Ireland chair. More than 11,600 workers in Cork took part in State-backed upskilling initiatives in 2025, according to the Skillnet Ireland Annual Report.

More than 11,600 workers in Cork took part in State-backed upskilling initiatives in 2025, according to the Skillnet Ireland Annual Report.

The report says that 3,100 businesses in Cork used Skillnet business networks and initiatives for skills training over the year, with €74m invested across Ireland in the programmes for enterprises. Contributions from businesses represented €26.5m (36%) of this total investment.

Skillnet Ireland is the national talent development agency, responsible for advancing the competitiveness, productivity, and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led talent development. It delivered over 81,300 training days to companies based in Cork last year. 52% of those who undertook training were men and 48% were women, while those aged 30 to 39 availed of upskilling supports more than any other age group.

The vast majority (91%) of companies in Cork that upskilled their employees with Skillnet Ireland in 2025 were small and medium-size enterprises, the report said. The greatest uptake came from the agriculture sector followed by services, food & drink, technology, retail, health, and tourism & travel. Skillnet business networks in the Cork region include Cork Chamber Skillnet, BioPharmaChem Skillnet, Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet, and Duhallow Skillnet.

Nationally, in 2025, over 23,000 businesses received upskilling and training programmes for 84,515 workers across the Irish economy. "The engagement of more than 23,000 businesses in Skillnet Ireland programmes during the year demonstrates a clear recognition that skills development is essential to driving productivity, growth and competitiveness. As our economy continues to evolve, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development is more important than ever," said Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.

In 2025, 12,655 workers benefitted from Skillnet Ireland supported digital skills programmes, with 633 digital and AI-related upskilling programmes delivered.

Additionally, 3,822 businesses and 6,974 employees engaged in climate and sustainability upskilling programmes in areas such as energy management, offshore wind, water stewardship, biodiversity management, sustainable finance and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. Each programme is designed to support businesses in their decarbonisation efforts.

Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Skillnet Ireland partners with 57 industry bodies, through its 68 Skillnet business networks and five national initiatives, across most sectors and all regions in Ireland.

"As the nature of work continues to evolve, Skillnet Ireland remains committed to working alongside our partners to deliver industry-led upskilling that supports enterprise growth, enhances workforce capability and strengthens the competitiveness and resilience of the Irish economy," said Skillnet Ireland chief executive Mark Jordan.