Manufacturing & Supply Chain

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 available across its 70 Skillnet Business Networks. CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet supports businesses of all sizes in the logistics, transport and supply chain sectors. The Network’s mission is to accelerate the growth of these sectors nationwide, by enhancing the skills and expertise of the businesses and talent that operate within this vital area of the economy. The Network offers a range of programmes including its Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence in Supply Chain Management and a Master of Science (MSc) in Maritime Operations.

Speaking at the event, James Kearney (pictured above), Network Manager of CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet, said: “It was fantastic to be at the National Ploughing Championships with Skillnet Ireland this year. The event gave us the chance to meet directly with farmers, agri-business owners, and the public to talk about the wide range of training supports we offer. The transport sector is critical to Ireland’s agricultural industry. Upskilling is vital for the future of the businesses we support, and it was great to be able to showcase how CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet and Skillnet Ireland are working together to support businesses across the country.”

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.

In 2024, over 6,000 farm businesses and 9,750 trainees benefited 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.

Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks, Skillnet Ireland, said: “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.”

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.

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.