1,414Wexfordworkers availedofSkillnet courseslastyear

WEXFORD RECORDED a 34% increase in the number of Wexford based companies who undertook Skillnet Ireland training courses in 2017, according to the body’s recent annual report.

In total, 548 companies in the Wexford region availed of subsidised enterprise-led training through the Skillnet Networks. Of the almost 50,000 trainees taking part in courses, 1,414 were based in Wexford. The large majority of companies taking part in the training programmes were small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

Training was offered in a number of sectors including services (40%), agri-business (26%) and manufacturing (7%).

Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, Paul Healy referred to the importance of upskilling across all sectors and urged Irish companies to engage with Skillnet Ireland before Brexit comes into effect.

‘ The world of work is changing rapidly and as a result, people’s skills are becoming dated more quickly. Employers are often distracted by a myriad of priorities and responsibilities and perhaps don’t always give staff training the emphasis it needs. Without investing in upskilling and talent strategies, Irish companies could lose their competitive advantage, especially with the challenges posed by Brexit.’

He added that economic studies had already shown that low skilled workers would be hit hardest by Brexit so they were encouraging employers to start considering ways to protect their business and staff with training that would help them to adapt to challengesin the future.