Ploughing gives farmers chance to learn of govt-funded upskilling 'supports’
The National Ploughing Championships provides agri-food producers a chance to learn what government-funded supports for upskilling are available to them.
That's according to chief executive officer of Skillnet Ireland, Mark Jordan.
Farmers and agri-businesses that visited the Skillnet Ireland exhibit at the Government of Ireland Village at the event were told about the range of upskilling and workforce development supports on offer to them.
Jordan said: “Through our network of Skillnets, we are helping enterprises to build the capabilities to innovate, improve productivity, and to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by the green and digital transitions.
"By investing in skills, we are supporting the future competitiveness and resilience of one of Ireland's most important indigenous sectors.”
Skillnet Business Networks that provide industry-led training tailored to the evolving needs of the agricultural sector include: Farm Business Skillnet; ICOS Skillnet; Macra Agricultural Skillnet; National Organic Training Skillnet; and XLVets Ireland Skillnet.
Skillnet programmes
Across the agriculture sector, the latest available data from Skillnet Ireland shows that over 6,000 farm businesses and 9,750 trainees engaged with its programmes, with more than 47,000 training days delivered.
According to Skillnet, programmes delivered by Skillnet Business Networks address digital transformation, environmental stewardship and advanced farm management practices.
In its most recent figures, Skillnet Ireland stated it supported over 23,000 businesses through its workforce development programmes, with more than 84,500 people trained and approximately 715,500 training days delivered across the Irish economy.
‘Cornerstone’
Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science with responsibility for further education, apprenticeship, construction and climate skills, Marian Harkin said Ireland's farming and agri-food sector is “a cornerstone of our economy”.
She went on to describe the sector as ”a vital source of employment and opportunity across rural communities”.
The minister added: “I welcome the funding by my department through Skillnet Ireland to support farmers and agri-food businesses.
“Investing in skills development is essential to ensure businesses adapt, innovate and become as competitive as they can be.
“Farmers can avail of an array of training programmes through Skillnet Ireland, with courses available in AI (artificial intelligence), financial management, organics, succession planning and everything in between.”
Minister Harkin said that the programmes are developed with farmers and food producers in mind, “to provide opportunities to develop practical skills and expertise that supports productivity, growth and innovation for long-term success”.
Businesses of any size can access Skillnet Ireland supports and participate in a Skillnet Business Network or national initiative relevant to their sector or region.
Sector-specific and regional upskilling supports can be viewed on the Skillnet Ireland website.
