Further Education & Training Supports to Futureproof your Business

As employers across the country are increasingly seeking to address critical skills gaps in order to respond to the challenges posed by climate change and digital transformation in particular, many businesses are recognising upskilling as a crucial part of futureproofing jobs and empowering employees with the skills to create more sustainable, competitive, and profitable companies.

There have never been more opportunities for upskilling and reskilling with smart, flexible Further Education and Training (FET) courses available in every county in Ireland, delivered by a network of 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs), and by eCollege, the national online learning service.

These programmes are funded by SOLAS, the state agency with responsibility for Further Education and Training, and delivered by ETBs who together have long played a critical role delivering key skills and providing businesses with the tools to thrive.

Skills to Advance

Providing subsidised upskilling for companies and those in employment, the Skills to Advance suite of programmes are an excellent starting point for companies looking to take the first step on their upskilling journey. Programmes are delivered in a flexible, blended learning format, with tutor support and online digital resources designed to suit operational requirements of participating companies and their workforce.

A broad range of Skills to Advance programmes are available to support business needs, from Digital Skills Training, Leadership and Management, Hospitality and Tourism, to the most recent Skills to Advance Green Skills Micro-Qualifications. All programmes are accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), leading to qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), and have been created in collaboration with key industry stakeholders,

eCollege

eCollege is the national online learning service for further education and training that provides a range of high-quality interactive online learning courses, available any time, for those who want to learn at their own pace. In line with a growing need for digital skills in the workforce, eCollege has become a vital resource for employers. Over 25,000 people enrolled with eCollege in 2022 to gain access to a broad range of courses in business, computer programming, data science, databases, IT, office productivity, and web and graphic design.

Upon signing up, learners can access courses for all levels, from basic computer skills through the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), right up to courses in programming, from HTML and CSS to JavaScript and Python. The certified programmes are free and allow learners study at a time and place that works for them, while gaining an industryrecognised qualifications awarded by Microsoft, Adobe, Digital Marketing Institute, CompTIA and Pearson IT Specialist.

Apprenticeship

The recent expansion of Apprenticeship to over 15 industry areas has resulted in businesses increasingly turning to apprenticeships for their recruitment and business growth. With 9,000 employers in Ireland currently using apprenticeship as a talent pipeline for their business, employing almost 26,000 apprentices, and those numbers are set to grow further. With generous grants available and a new National Apprenticeship Office, established in 2022 to facilitate a talent pipeline that mutually benefits jobseekers and business owners alike, the opportunities for businesses of all sizes to expand has never been greater.

Business owners are being encouraged to choose the apprenticeship route to grow their business with a range of supports including financial incentives. A key part of this are the financial supports for employers through the craft training allowance or a grant of €2,000 per apprentice per year. There is an additional bursary of €2,666 for employers to encourage more women into apprenticeships. Free mentoring training and one-to-one guidance has been made available in addition to the financial supports to help micro and small businesses employ one or more apprentices.

There has never been a better time to futureproof your business with flexible upskilling programmes for your employees.