Food Drink Ireland

Network Overview

Food Drink Ireland Skillnet is a business Network for companies of all sizes in the food and drink sector. The Network’s mission is to support the growth of businesses operating in Ireland’s world-renowned food and drink sector by addressing skills gaps and improving talent expertise through the provision of subsidised upskilling programmes.

Collaborating with industry, the Network designs, develops and delivers responsive, bespoke and flexible training courses to meet the ongoing needs of businesses. Food Drink Ireland Skillnet is promoted by Food Drink Ireland, an Ibec business association. The Network is open to private enterprises in the food and drink sector.

Supports to businesses

• Assist businesses to identify and address current and future skills needs 
• Information regarding successful approaches to learning and talent development 
• Guidance on achieving value for money when investing in learning and development 
• Strategic programmes that enhance business innovation and sectoral competitiveness 
• Flexible training and education programmes customised to the needs of the sector 
• Innovative programme design and development 
• Leadership programmes for business owners and executives 
• Certified and non-certified technical training 
• Training relating to communication, problem-solving and other core skills 
• Advice on gauging the effectiveness of training 
• Access to a network of businesses within the sector 
• Conferences, seminars, and other informal learning and networking events 

“The Food Drink Ireland Skillnet has consistently offered our business high quality training which is industry specific. Furthermore, the training is always delivered by leading training providers and is excellent value for money.”

Liz Doyle – Bewleys

“The opportunity for us to collaborate with industry counterparts so we can address essential skills gaps is of real value to our business. Since the launch of the Network, we have seen programmes developed to address knowledge and skills gaps which would not have been available to us without the Food Drink Ireland Skillnet.”

Emily Murphy - Aryzta Ireland