Skillnet Ireland, the national workforce development agency of Ireland, reports significant buy-in from businesses of all sizes in its 2025 Annual Report.
23,142 businesses received upskilling and training programmes amounting to 84,515 workers right across the Irish economy. Contributions from businesses represented €26.5 million or 36% the total investment into upskilling for enterprises, of €74million, which signals a strong level of buy-in from industry to developing their teams in partnership with Skillnet Ireland.
During 2025, Skillnet Ireland also undertook an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation to inform its new strategy, Empowering Enterprise 2026–2028: A Strategy for Next Generation Capability. Engagement with enterprise, government, and education partners provided valuable insights, shaping a forward-looking vision for a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, inclusive, and prepared for future challenges and opportunities, in areas such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the green transition.
Commenting on the performance of Skillnet Ireland in 2025, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said: “Skillnet Ireland’s 2025 Annual Report highlights the strong commitment of both Government and enterprise to investing in the skills and capabilities of our workforce. The engagement of more than 23,000 businesses in Skillnet Ireland programmes during the year demonstrates a clear recognition that skills development is essential to driving productivity, growth and competitiveness. As our economy continues to evolve, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development is more important than ever. Through Skillnet Ireland, we are helping businesses of all sizes to respond to changing skills needs, embrace new technologies and seize emerging opportunities. This Government remains committed to ensuring that enterprises across every sector and region have access to the talent and expertise they need to grow, compete and succeed.”
Brigid McManus, Chairperson, Skillnet Ireland, said: “The pace of technological, economic and societal change is reshaping how people work and how businesses compete. Through our new strategy, Empowering Enterprise 2026–2028: A Strategy for Next Generation Capability, Skillnet Ireland is focused on equipping workers and enterprises with the skills required to navigate this period of profound transformation. In 2025, Skillnet Ireland delivered further access to high-impact learning in areas such as AI, digitalisation, sustainability and leadership. We will continue to support workers to remain adaptable, resilient and future-ready, while helping enterprises seize new opportunities for innovation and growth.”
Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “The impact reflected in our 2025 Annual Report is a testament to the strength of the partnerships that underpin the Skillnet Ireland model. We greatly value the engagement and commitment of our enterprise partners, industry bodies, and higher education institutions, whose collaboration ensures that skills development remains responsive to real business needs. As the nature of work continues to evolve, Skillnet Ireland remains committed to working alongside our partners to deliver industry-led upskilling that supports enterprise growth, enhances workforce capability and strengthens the competitiveness and resilience of the Irish economy.”
In 2025 Skillnet Ireland delivered targeted upskilling in areas including AI, data analytics, cybersecurity and automation to strengthen enterprise capability, and support SMEs to adopt new technologies and innovate. 12,655 workers and 2,412 companies benefited from digital skills programmes, including over 50 AI programmes ranging from foundational training to advanced qualifications, alongside targeted initiatives such as the AI Capability Accelerator for senior leaders.
Skillnet Ireland supported 3,822 businesses and 6,974 workers across 50 Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives to develop the skills and workforce capabilities required to meet regulatory, sustainability and climate objectives, and to accelerate Ireland’s clean energy ambitions.
Throughout the year, Skillnet Ireland delivered large-scale, enterprise-led workforce development initiatives in collaboration with government, industry, and higher education institutions. These initiatives included the official launch of Skillnet MMC Accelerate, and the expansion of accredited micro-credentials through the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy. A wide range of new programmes were developed by Skillnet Business Networks including sustainable cloud computing, electric vehicle maintenance and biodiversity.
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