Dundalk Chamber Skillnet and Dundalk Institute of Technology Deliver New Leadership Qualification for Managers

Dundalk Chamber Skillnet has teamed up with the Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) Regional Development Centre to develop an impactful new part time leadership programme designed to culminate in a Masters Degree qualification. 

In a development which will be welcomed by local businesses, participants will enrol in a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Management with the option to progress to a full Masters Degree in Management & Leadership over three years.  

Through this programme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, participants will be introduced to leading management theories and effective international best practices in core management areas. They will learn how to apply these best practices in their own workplace and use their specialist management and leadership skills in complex business situations. Additionally, they will be able to offer practical recommendations for improvement and implement innovative initiatives within their own organisations to add value and make a difference. 

Speaking at the launch of the programme, Erin McGreehan, TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, said: "This partnership between Dundalk Chamber Skillnet and DkIT the perfect example of the kind of regional collaboration we need to build a stronger, more resilient SME sector in the North East. An investment of €200,000 over the next three years in leadership development is a clear signal of commitment to long-term economic growth and skills progression. Initiatives like this, supported by Government and EU funding, are vital in ensuring our workforce is equipped to lead, innovate and compete in a rapidly changing world." 

Aidan Callan, Network Manager, Dundalk Chamber Skillnet, said: "This programme represents a natural progression in our commitment to strengthen leadership capability for businesses across the North East. To date we’ve supported over 400 new managers through our Level 6 People Management initiative, and this partnership with DkIT enables us to build on that momentum by creating structured development pathways for new, middle, and senior managers, to equip SMEs with the leadership tools they need to thrive." 

The programme has been developed by Professor Colette Henry and Dr Teresa O’Rourke from DkIT’s School of Business and Humanities in partnership with Dundalk Chamber Skillnet.  

Professor Colette Henry added: “This is a highly applied programme, innovatively designed as discrete learning blocks, each with its own certification. It has a unique structure whereby core management topics in year one merge into a single foundational module, giving participants the opportunity to integrate rather than compartmentalise their learning. Year two introduces participants to specialist leadership skills and business strategy, while year three offers an opportunity to lead a live research-informed, practical project with the aim of making a valuable impact within the learner’s own workplace.” 

Further information about the upskilling supports offered by Dundalk Chamber Skillnet is available online, here.

European Social Fund (ESF+) 

The Postgraduate Certificate in Management and Masters Degree in Management & Leadership are part of Skillnet Ireland’s suite of European Social Fund (ESF+) upskilling programmes, which support the delivery of the lifelong learning, in particular flexible upskilling, and reskilling opportunities for all, including entrepreneurial and digital skills, and meeting labour market skills needs. These programmes also facilitate career transitions and promote professional mobility for workers across all sectors and regions in Ireland. Skillnet Ireland’s ESF+ activity is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. 

Further information about Skillnet Ireland’s European Social Fund (ESF+) upskilling programmes is available on the Skillnet Ireland website.