Skillnet Ireland Showcases Upskilling Supports at 2025 National Ploughing Championships

Skillnet Ireland marked another successful year at the 2025 National Ploughing Championships, welcoming thousands of visitors to its stand, where businesses and members of the public learned more about the wide range of upskilling opportunities. Many of the 70 Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives were in attendance at the Skillnet Ireland stand in the 'Supporting People, Supporting Businesses Government of Ireland Village', including, Michael Lynch, Network Manager of Midland Border East Skillnet, James Kearney, Network Manager of CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet, Catherine Collins, Network Manager of First Polymer Training Skillnet and Sharon Higgins, Network Manager of County Tipperary Chamber Skillnet. On day three of this year's event, Alan Hore, Project Lead at Skillnet MMC Accelerate and CitA Director, was delighted to welcome An Taoiseach Michéal Martin, to the Skillnet MMC Accelerate stand at the 'Housing for All Government of Ireland Pavilion', to hear more about the National Initiative which supports upskilling in the construction workforce by showcasing innovation in modern methods of construction, highlighting upcoming projects and training programmes, and mapping out future career pathways in the sector.

Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks, Skillnet Ireland, said: “More than 24,000 businesses participated in upskilling programmes for employees through Skillnet Ireland last year, amounting to 90,136 workers across the Irish economy. Skillnet Ireland is focused on building resilience, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability for Irish farming and agri-food enterprises. By investing in the people who power the sector, we are strengthening agriculture’s role as a pillar of Ireland’s economy for generations to come. It is great to see Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives sharing their stories about their impact on Ireland's business landscape, at this year's Ploughing Championships. ” 

From organic farmers, growers and processors to food businesses, the programmes delivered by Skillnet Business Networks in 2024 addressed critical needs such as digital transformation, environmental stewardship, and advanced farm management practices. These supports have equipped agricultural enterprises with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to evolving market demands, embrace sustainable practices, and harness emerging technologies. 

Businesses operating in the agriculture sector can access training and upskilling courses through Farm Business Skillnet, ICOS Skillnet, Macra Agricultural Skillnet, National Organic Training Skillnet and XL Vets Skillnet or through one of Skillnet Ireland’s multi-sector Business Networks in their region. Some of the upskilling programmes offered in the agriculture space focus on key areas including organic farming, food and beverage production, fisheries, fish processing and forestry.  In 2024, over 6,000 farm businesses and 9,750 trainees benefitted from the range of industry-led training and development programmes delivered by Skillnet Ireland. The national talent development agency delivered over 47,000 training days to businesses operating in the agriculture sector last year. The biggest age group of trainees was 40-49 year-olds, signalling a strong commitment among mid-career professionals in the sector to embrace upskilling. 

Any business of any size, across multiple sectors, can access Skillnet Ireland supports and join relevant Skillnet Business Networks. Sector-specific and regional upskilling supports can be viewed on the Skillnet Ireland website, www.skillnetireland.ie/sectors.  

To hear from businesses that have benefited from engaging with Skillnet Business Networks operating the agricultural sector, visit our success stories page online: www.skillnetireland.ie/success-stories.