Noreen FitzPatrick

Programme Support Manager

Skillnets Ltd

ICTU, 6th April 2011

About us

• Established in 1999 & funded by the Department of Education & Skills

• Established to facilitate training and development in Irish enterprises

• Dedicated to the promotion and facilitation of training and upskilling as key elements in sustaining Ireland's national competitiveness

• Over 50 networks nationwide www.skillnets.ie/networks

Our Mandate

Supporting people in employment (and from 2010 also the unemployed)

Private sector firms which are mostly SME’s

Broad cross section of regions / sectors

Networks led & managed by enterprises themselves

Model that creates solutions to training needs that are tailor-made, up to date, focussed on business results

Creating business opportunities e.g. through networking events etc.

Co-funding strategy (grant + enterprise contribution)

A Training Network

“The coming together of a group of enterprises of various sizes, to use their combined talents and resources to achieve results that would not be

possible if the enterprises operated individually.”

Skillnets Training Network Model

Examples of Sectors

•Agriculture•Business•Construction•Engineering•Environmental Goods & Services•Food & Drink•Green Technology•Health•ICT Manufacturing & Services

•Financial Services•Life Sciences•Manufacturing•Media/audiovisual•Mixed•Pharmaceutical•Retail•Services•Technology•Tourism & Travel•Transportation•Wholesale trade

Some statistics…

Since inception:

• Over 50,000 Irish enterprises have participated• Over 300 networks across a wide range of

sectors/regions• Over 240,000 employees trained

Funding options in 2011

Development Grant • Deadline 4th April• €10,000 grant to assist in establishing a network

Full Application Call• Deadline 3rd May

Network Under Development Stages

• Stage 1: Prepare application for Development Grant– Goal : Apply for Development Grant

• Stage 2: Develop network and full application– Goal : Apply for full Training Networks Programme (TNP)

grant

Preparation for Full Application Grant.

• Register as Full Application via www.skillnets.ie• Establish the vision for the network (Themes)• Engage with enterprise to establish commitment• Seek support from Skillnets• Prepare an application form• Submit an application by 5pm, 3rd May 2011

Skillnets Support Available……..

• Each applicant will have dedicated Skillnets support personnel

• These persons will guide you throughout the process• Each applicant will have the opportunity of at least one

support meeting • Support will also be available by email and phone as

necessary

Full Application Stage

2011 Application Form – Model, Process and checklist

Enterprise Involvement:

• Member companies • Steering group composition

Budget:• Management (employee V

consultant, overheads methodology, audit required)

• Income strategy • Under spend & over spend

explained

Training & Operations Plan

• Types of training planned• Training delivery methods (on the

job, blended, instructor led etc)• Certification plans • No. of Training Days (employed &

unemployed) • No. of Trainer Days• No. of Participants• Training costs • Consultants• Events • Dissemination

Key steps in developing your application

• Recruit and select member companies• Assess skills needs of target group (conduct a TNA)• Agree network aims and objectives• Scope network activities• Decide operating structures• Plan network budget• Identify contracting arrangements• Write your network plan for 2011

Member Companies:

• What is your common purpose?– Why should these target companies form a network?– Is there already a network in this space?

• Thematic area to be covered• What gaps are you addressing?• What is the strategic logic for starting this network at

all?

Training Needs Analysis:

• The core of the application– Its all about delivering relevant, excellent, value for

money training– Ideally – seek gaps in provision

• Develop a plan – Focus groups, interviews, “expert” opinion– Be careful about your own assumptions

(positive/negative)

• What may need to be developed?– Will it be accredited?– How much do you know about accreditation?

Themes

Assessment

Key Criteria Sub Criteria Weighting

Strategic CriteriaEnterprise InvolvementRelevance to the key themesImpact on EmployabilityImpact on Competitiveness

10020010050

45%

Operational Criteria

Capacity to deliver (management expertise)Clarity of aims & objectivesFinancial efficiencies/ match funding

200

50150

40%

Wider Impact InnovationSustainabilityAccreditation/ product development

505050

15%

Timelines:

• Time is short enough• Multi-tasking is critical!• Some things are out of your control

– E.g. letters of commitment being returned– Start them early!

• Start to work on the application document, it will prompt you

• Don’t forget to include the word document!

Closing Date for Full Applications Wednesday 3rd May 2011, 5 p.m.

Your Role

Start now

Stay focussed

Keep in contact with us

Contact info

Website:

www.skillnets.ie

Tel: 01-2079630 (main office)

Email: funding@skillnets.ie

Thank You!