Skillnet Ireland Research Shows 9 in 10 People Recognise the Importance of Upskilling for their Professional Success

New research from Skillnet Ireland, the national workforce development agency, shows that 9 out of 10 people in employment believe upskilling and reskilling are important for their professional success, while over 85% of respondents say they have undertaken upskilling in the past year, which includes accredited training programmes.

Titled Lifelong Learning and the Future of Work, the research surveyed workers about their attitudes and their employers’ attitudes towards building on their skills as they look to the future. 70% of respondents believed their employer places value on upskilling and reskilling, while two-thirds said their employer provides supports. The results point to a wide recognition of the benefits of learning new skills, with 96% of respondents saying it is important for them to learn a new skill for as their careers develop.

As technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly become an integral part of today's enterprise environment, respondents to the survey showed an understanding of the value of having the necessary skills to meet the needs of a changing landscape. Almost three-quarters said they are likely to engage in upskilling or reskilling this year, and when asked what type of skills they are most likely to focus on, one in five chose digital, technical or management/leadership skills. Skills related to AI followed closely behind, with 55% saying they will need AI upskilling for their career in the future.

Lifelong Learning, according to respondents, goes beyond professional development and career opportunities. Almost a quarter said they believe upskilling or reskilling would help keep their mind active and support long-term mental health, while one in five believed it would boost their confidence and improve emotional wellbeing.

Commenting on the research findings, Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks, Skillnet Ireland, said: “It is encouraging to see so many individuals intending to upskill or reskill this year, particularly across areas such as digital and AI skills. At Skillnet Ireland, we see the extent of commitment from both employees and employers across the economy to workforce development, with over 84,000 people participating in upskilling in 2025. For businesses, investing in skills is not only about supporting employees to succeed, it is also a key driver of innovation, productivity and competitiveness. Through our Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives, Skillnet Ireland is committed to helping businesses of all sizes access the capabilities and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing economy."

Positive attitudes

While the survey did reveal individuals' perceived barriers for engaging in upskilling or reskilling, such as the cost of training (51%), lack of time (42%), and a busy work schedule (41%) or home life (34%), it also highlights positive attitudes towards upskilling and reskilling:

• 70% of respondents believed their employer places value on upskilling and reskilling, while two-thirds (66%) said their employer provides supports.
• Almost 9 in 10 (86%) have undertaken formal upskilling in the past 12 months, which includes degree, diploma and micro-credential programmes.
• A similar number (87%) have undertaken informal upskilling in the past 12 months, which includes workshops, online tutorials and self-directed learning.
• More than half (59%) said they felt they could benefit from additional upskilling to match the skills they will need to do their job in the future.
• 92% of individuals said the availability of online or blended (i.e. online and in-person) learning would influence their willingness to upskill or reskill.

The findings provide valuable insight into how people are preparing for changes in the labour market and will help inform Skillnet Ireland's mission to support businesses and individuals in developing the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy, ensuring Ireland's workforce remains competitive, adaptable and future-ready.

In 2025, over 23,000 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% of the total investment into upskilling for enterprises, €74million, which signals a high level of buy-in from industry to developing their teams in partnership with Skillnet Ireland.

In March, Skillnet Ireland launched its new strategy, Empowering Enterprise 2026-2028, A Strategy for Next Generation Capability, which sets out Skillnet Ireland’s ambitions for the future of Irish business and workforce. The strategy presents a roadmap for strengthening Ireland’s competitiveness and enabling business transformation through digitalisation, artificial intelligence and sustainability.

Businesses of all sizes can avail of upskilling programmes and business supports through 73 Skillnet Business Networks and Skillnet National Initiatives. For further information visit: www.skillnetireland.ie.

• To view the Lifelong Learning and the Future of Work summary results infographic, click here.