Ministers Lawless and Harkin attend Skillnet Ireland Talent Landscape Roadshow Highlighting Importance of Upskilling for Irish Businesses

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, attended a Skillnet Ireland regional roadshow enterprise event at the state of the art First Polymer Training Skillnet Centre, in Athlone, Co Westmeath, on Friday, September 12th, 2025. 

A recent research report from Skillnet Ireland entitled Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, shows a strong demand for upskilling among businesses in Ireland’s Midlands region, with a particular focus on digitalisation and the green economy. 

Speaking at the event, Minister Lawless said: “I am delighted to be here this morning to highlight the crucial role talent development plays in ensuring that businesses in Ireland remain competitive. Skillnet Ireland plays a central role in equipping businesses and workers with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. I want to commend the businesses across the Midlands that are actively embracing the talent development agenda and equipping their workers with the skills needed to succeed. This commitment to upskilling and reskilling will ensure that Ireland remains productive, forward-thinking, and a global leader in talent development.” 

Minister Harkin said: “This research shows a clear appetite for upskilling, particularly in digital and sustainability skills, which will be key to future-proofing both our workforce and our economy. By investing in talent development and recognising the importance of skills such as sustainability skills, we are not only strengthening business in our regions, but also ensuring Ireland is ready to seize the opportunities of a more sustainable future."  

Given the large presence of Medtech and manufacturing companies in the Midlands, technical and engineering (42%), digital technologies (30%) and supply chain management (26%) are among the most in demand specific skillsets according to the research. 

The report was launched at an enterprise event with a range of businesses from the engineering, manufacturing and medtech sectors. First Polymer Training Skillnet's state of the art training centre has supported the polymer and plastics industry for over 20 years. First Polymer Training Skillnet and the Applied Polymer Technologies (APT) Gateway Research Facility at the Technological University of the Shannon, have recently begun working together to explore ways to enhance polymer training and research. This collaboration will contribute to the advancement of polymer education and innovation with a focus on sustainability, as well as increasing awareness of the vital role of the polymer industry in everyday life. 

The findings revealed that over one-third (36%) of businesses in Ireland’s Midlands will require digital upskilling for their workforce in the next two to three years. The report will inform Skillnet Ireland's strategic commitment to the regional development of businesses facing an increasingly digital future, and a low-carbon and sustainable economy, as well as aiming to bolster foreign direct investment through a focus on talent development. 

Annually, over 900 businesses located in the Midlands participate in upskilling programmes with over 50 Skillnet Business Networks nationwide, some of which are located in the region, including First Polymer Training Skillnet, Midlands Border East Skillnet, Taste 4 Success Skillnet and Space Industry Skillnet. 

Mark Jordan, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, said: "Through our Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives, we are eager to support businesses across the Midlands as they navigate rapid change and seize new opportunities. This research shows a strong appetite among businesses for upskilling in areas such as climate action, digital technologies, and innovation. By working closely with industry, we are helping companies build the talent pipelines they need to stay competitive, drive regional growth, and prepare their workforces for the future." 

The research, part of the national talent development agency’s Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, highlights the upskilling demands of companies in counties Westmeath, Longford, Laois and Offaly to remain competitive in Ireland’s rapidly evolving digital and green economy.   

96% of businesses surveyed in the Midlands regard their business as strong or very strong, while 62% expect a change in their core skills in the next two to three years. Over one-third (35%) of businesses in the region said they will need sustainability upskilling for their workforce in the coming years. Energy efficiency (81%), innovation and creativity (79%), and circular economy (68%) top the list of climate action skills needed by local enterprises, while digital skills such as Microsoft Office proficiency (72%), cloud computing (62%), and Internet of Things (51%) are in particularly high demand. 

Despite the appetite for upskilling, the research also notes that time constraints are a significant barrier for businesses in the region, with over half (53%) of businesses citing time commitments as a major obstacle to employee development. 

The Skillnet Ireland Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, has built on the inaugural Ireland’s Talent Landscape study of last year. The Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report is available to view at www.skillnetireland.ie/insights.