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.