COMMENT SKILLNET
Research highlights importance of digital and sustainability upskilling for Irish businesses
New research from Skillnet Ireland has revealed that over 60% of businesses in Ireland stated their workforce will need upskilling in the areas of digitalisation and sustainability, to navigate complex modern challenges and remain competitive.
T
In this the EU Year of Skills, Skillnet Ireland commissioned the study, authored by Ipsos Behaviour & Attitudes,
which reveals valuable insights into the current and future skills needs of businesses. Ireland’s nationally representative survey of 500 business leaders from businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions in Ireland.
According to the study, 65% of businesses stated that staff would require training for the digital transition, while 59% indicated that areas of climate action and sustainability. to be important, with 64% highlighting its potential to facilitate growth in the next two to three years. Paul Healy, chief executive, Skillnet Ireland, said:
“We are listening to businesses all the time to identify skills gaps and provide solutions that “Our aim is to help Irish businesses stay ahead of the curve. We know from this research study and from our work with the almost 25,000 businesses we engage with through our 70 Business Networks, that the business sector will the digital and climate transitions continue apace. “Maintaining a strong talent pipeline is key in tackling these changes.” The report revealed that 49% of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and 94% of with almost half of them viewing their economic
outlook as ‘very strong’. SMEs recognise the importance of lifelong learning, with the majority having upskilled their staff within the past 12 months. staff with the necessary skillset. Cyber security, business growth. The key upskilling requirements highlighted by
large businesses included robotic process automation (54%), cloud computing (47%), sustainable supply chain management (69%). These businesses are encountering persistent challenges when it comes to attracting new talent, with two thirds struggling to hire employees with the appropriate skillset. The study found that 35% of all businesses regard climate action and sustainability as a very important skills area in terms of growing their business in the next two to three years. Aligned
10 April 2024 Irish Manufacturing
to this recognition, however, is a clear skills shortage of green talent.
and sustainability skills, with almost two thirds stating that their staff will require upskilling in climate action and sustainability for their future success.
Ireland’s strategic commitment to meet the talent requirements of an increasingly digital future, foster the growth of a low-carbon and sustainable economy, enhance SME enterprise leadership, and bolster Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through a focus on talent development. Skillnet Ireland encourages businesses of all
sizes and sectors across the economy to avail of the range of Skillnet Ireland talent development and upskilling supports available through the 70 Skillnet Business Networks and its national initiatives, Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, Skillnet Innovation Exchange and MentorsWork.
www.irish-manufacturing.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
