97% of firms say training body has filled skills gap

A ringing endorsement of the State-funded training body Skillnets has been made by companies using the service, with 97% saying it has helped fill skill gaps and 87% acknowledging its contribution to a rise in productivity.

The Skillnets Annual Report 2011, published yesterday, shows €22.6m was spent last year in developing the skills of more than 42,113 people. Of that amount, €12.1m was invested from the National Training Fund with €10.5m coming from companies.

Trainees benefited from over 221,682 training days delivered by 72 Skillnets networks across the country.

A high proportion of respondents reported that Skillnets training had contributed to market developments such as enhancements to products and services (83%) and in some cases, expansion in existing markets (55%) or entry into new markets (49%).

Domhnall Mac Domhnaill, chairman of Skillnets, said 94% of companies funded by the body were classified as SMEs.

“Despite difficult times, these SMEs have continued to invest in training with the support of Skillnets, with an increase in the level of investment relative to earlier years,” he said.

Chief executive Alan Nuzum said: “Labour market activation is now a key part of Skillnets’ ongoing strategic goals and, in response to delivering tomorrow’s skills needs, this report features some really strong examples of networks responding to skills shortages and new emerging technologies and sectors.

“A recent independent evaluation report by the Circa Group indicates that the number of jobs secured by unemployed trainees through our training programmes generated a saving of €9.3m to the exchequer, which gives a return on investment of 232% for the exchequer.”

“Skillnets also actively engaged with supporting labour market activation measures such as JobBridge, with a number of member companies providing internships to jobseekers.

“We are also responding to redundancies by initiating a rapid response to those affected, offering relevant training supports that are designed and in demand from enterprise. In 2011 we invested €250,000 in the provision of training for TalkTalk employees.”