Funding For Training

Skillnet Ireland Funding

Skillnet Ireland is a government agency – funded through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science – that works to promote enterprise-led workforce development. Technotraining is on the training providers panel of a number of Skillnet networks, which means that learners attending our programmes may be eligible for Skillnet funding.

In November 2020, Skillnet Ireland launched a five-year strategy to transform Irish business through talent. This new strategy seeks to expand Skillnet Ireland’s ongoing activities by increasing the number of businesses supported by Skillnet Ireland to 30,000 annually by 2025. Skillnet Ireland will also provide supports to 100,000 workers annually by the end of 2025 and double the investment in upskilling the Irish workforce to €100 million annually.

Contact the Skillnet networks below to check if the programme you are interested in qualifies for funding.

Irish Medtech Skillnet

Training for enterprises in the medical technology and engineering sectors

Irish Medtech Skillnet is a national learning network for companies of all sizes in the medical technology and engineering sector. Member companies work collaboratively to share best practice and respond effectively to the specific skills needs of the sector.

This Skillnet network aims to enhance Ireland’s position as an emerging global medical technology hub by developing a strong talent base and enhancing the specialised knowledge and skills that exist in the sector.

Promoted by the Irish Medtech Association, an Ibec business association.

→ Contact: Michelle Reinecke-Quain, michelle.reinecke-quain@ibec.ie, 061 431802, irishmedtechspringboard.ie

Role Skillnet

Training for companies in the West and North West region

Role Skillnet is a regional, multi-sector learning network for companies of all sizes mainly operating in the West and North West region. Member companies work collaboratively to respond to skills needs within their businesses, training categories include technical, non-technical and behavioural skills.

This Skillnet network aims to provide funding and support for businesses and employees to develop and grow through the provision of relevant, flexible, and affordable training with a strong focus on leadership, management, and personal development programmes.

Promoted by Boyle Chamber of Commerce.

→ Contact: Sonia Dunne, info@roleskillnet.com

South West Gnó Skillnet

Training for enterprises in the South West and Gaeltachtaí regions of Ireland

South West Gnó Skillnet is a multi-sector learning network for companies of all sizes in the South West and Gaeltachtaí regions of Ireland. Member companies work collaboratively to respond locally to skills needs within their businesses. The network supports regional development by helping local businesses arrive at shared solutions that are more accessible, affordable, and effective at meeting their needs.

This Skillnet network aims to support business growth within the Gaeltacht areas and the South West through the provision of relevant and flexible training. Training in mainly delivered in counties Kerry, Cork, and Waterford.

Promoted by Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne Teo.

CitA Skillnet

Training for enterprises in the construction sector

CitA Skillnet is a learning network for companies of all sizes in the construction sector. Member companies work collaboratively to share best practice and to respond effectively to the specific skills needs of the sector.

This Skillnet network aims to support the Irish construction sector to take advantage of current and emerging information and communications technologies. The network supports architecture, engineering, construction, and operations enterprises within the construction sector.

Promoted by Construction IT Alliance (CitA).

First Polymer Training Skillnet

Training for enterprises in the plastics, medical device, and manufacturing engineering sectors

First Polymer Training Skillnet is a learning network for companies of all sizes in the polymer processing sector. The network also supports the use of polymer technologies within the medical device and manufacturing engineering sectors.

This Skillnet network aims to support the growth of Ireland’s polymer processors and forms an integral part of the sector. The network continues to forge strong and lasting relationships, working as a partner to industry and empowering employers to be competitive in global markets.

Promoted by Polymer Technology Ireland, an Ibec business association.

ICBE Advanced Productivity Skillnet

Training for enterprises in lean, six sigma, and process improvement methodologies

ICBE Advanced Productivity Skillnet is a multi-sector learning network for companies of all sizes within the manufacturing, food, medical devices, pharmaceutical, and financial services sectors amongst others.

This Skillnet network aims to improve the business performance and competitive advantage of enterprises through specialised training relating to innovation, process improvement, Lean, and Six Sigma strategic deployment.

Promoted by the Irish Centre for Business Excellence (ICBE).

Other networks are listed on the central Skillnet Ireland website.

Government Supports & Schemes

If you need specific training that is unavailable from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) or other state providers (Solas, ETBs, Teagasc, etc.), you may be eligible for funding support.

Training Support Grant

This grant from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) of up to €1,000 is designed to fund quick access to short-term training or related interventions, obtaining or renewing certification and permits for individual jobseekers that have identified work opportunities or where case officers have identified an immediate skills gap that represents an obstacle to taking up a job offer.

Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG)

Funding can be provided for accredited/Irish industry accredited programmes. Accreditation can be up to and including FETAC level 6 (or equivalent awards within the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and the provider is approved by the NQAI/FETAC).

Short-Term Enterprise Allowance

The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) gives support to people who have lost their job and want to start their own business. To qualify you must be getting Jobseeker’s Benefit. The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance is paid instead of your Jobseeker’s Benefit for a maximum of 9 months. This allowance also provides some funding for education and business set up under the Enterprise Support Grant (ESG). Up to €250 can be received for training and more funding for business start-up costs are available.

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance

The BtWEA is very similar to the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance though slightly different qualifying conditions. This allowance also allows for funding through the Enterprise Support Grant.