Funding For Training

Skillnet Ireland Funding

Skillnet Ireland is a government agency – funded through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science – that works to promote enterprise-led workforce development. Technotraining is on the training providers panel of a number of Skillnet networks, which means that learners attending our programmes may be eligible for Skillnet funding.

In November 2020, Skillnet Ireland launched a five-year strategy to transform Irish business through talent. This new strategy seeks to expand Skillnet Ireland’s ongoing activities by increasing the number of businesses supported by Skillnet Ireland to 30,000 annually by 2025. Skillnet Ireland will also provide supports to 100,000 workers annually by the end of 2025 and double the investment in upskilling the Irish workforce to €100 million annually.

Contact the Skillnet networks below to check if the programme you are interested in qualifies for funding.

Irish Medtech Skillnet

Training for enterprises in the medical technology and engineering sectors

Engineering Skillnet The Engineering Skillnet works closely with engineering companies to identify skills needs and design bespoke programmes to meet them. Technotraining has been been working closely with the Engineering Skillnet for the last number of years and we were delighted to partner with them in the development, design and delivery of a new Major Level 6 programme for frontline manufacturing and engineering staff.  This new award, the Advanced Certificate in Industrial Automation Technology will be launching in 2024, pending QQI validation. Please contact Fiona Fennell at the Engineering Skillnet for further information on support funding for this exciting new training pathway. [email protected]

Irish Medtech Skillnet is a national learning network for companies of all sizes in the medical technology and engineering sector. Member companies work collaboratively to share best practice and respond effectively to the specific skills needs of the sector.

This Skillnet network aims to enhance Ireland’s position as an emerging global medical technology hub by developing a strong talent base and enhancing the specialised knowledge and skills that exist in the sector.

Promoted by the Irish Medtech Association, an Ibec business association.

→ Contact: Hazel Hickey, [email protected]

CitA Skillnet

Training for enterprises in the construction sector

CitA Skillnet is a learning network for companies of all sizes in the construction sector. Member companies work collaboratively to share best practice and to respond effectively to the specific skills needs of the sector.

This Skillnet network aims to support the Irish construction sector to take advantage of current and emerging information and communications technologies. The network supports architecture, engineering, construction, and operations enterprises within the construction sector.

Promoted by Construction IT Alliance (CitA).

First Polymer Training Skillnet

Training for enterprises in the plastics, medical device, and manufacturing engineering sectors

First Polymer Training Skillnet is a learning network for companies of all sizes in the polymer processing sector. The network also supports the use of polymer technologies within the medical device and manufacturing engineering sectors.

This Skillnet network aims to support the growth of Ireland’s polymer processors and forms an integral part of the sector. The network continues to forge strong and lasting relationships, working as a partner to industry and empowering employers to be competitive in global markets.

Promoted by Polymer Technology Ireland, an Ibec business association.

Other networks are listed on the central Skillnet Ireland website.

Government Supports & Schemes

If you need specific training that is unavailable from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) or other state providers (Solas, ETBs, Teagasc, etc.), you may be eligible for funding support.

Training Support Grant

This grant from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) of up to €1,000 is designed to fund quick access to short-term training or related interventions, obtaining or renewing certification and permits for individual jobseekers that have identified work opportunities or where case officers have identified an immediate skills gap that represents an obstacle to taking up a job offer.

Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG)

Funding can be provided for accredited/Irish industry accredited programmes. Accreditation can be up to and including FETAC level 6 (or equivalent awards within the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and the provider is approved by the NQAI/FETAC).

Short-Term Enterprise Allowance

The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) gives support to people who have lost their job and want to start their own business. To qualify you must be getting Jobseeker’s Benefit. The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance is paid instead of your Jobseeker’s Benefit for a maximum of 9 months. This allowance also provides some funding for education and business set up under the Enterprise Support Grant (ESG). Up to €250 can be received for training and more funding for business start-up costs are available.

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance

The BtWEA is very similar to the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance though slightly different qualifying conditions. This allowance also allows for funding through the Enterprise Support Grant.