Leitrim SMEs take part in Skillnet upskilling drive

More than 160 businesses in Leitrim participated in Skillnet Ireland training programmes during 2025, with over 590 people undertaking upskilling through Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives.

Figures published in the Skillnet Ireland Annual Report show the national agency for workforce development delivered more than 4,000 training days in Leitrim last year.

Of those who undertook training, 57% were men and 43% were women, while people aged between 30 and 39 represented the largest age group availing of upskilling supports.

The report also shows that 96% of Leitrim companies that upskilled their employees with Skillnet Ireland during 2025 were small and medium-sized enterprises.

The greatest uptake came from the agriculture sector, followed by services, food and drink, manufacturing, legal, retail and engineering.

There are three Skillnet Business Networks based in Co Leitrim – National Organic Training Skillnet, Image Skillnet and Industry 4.0 Skillnet.

During 2025, Leitrim companies undertook programmes with more than 40 of the 68 Skillnet Business Networks, based either on their business sector or through regional networks.

Leitrim enterprises also engaged with national Skillnet Business Networks, including Taste4Success Skillnet, and regionally based Skillnet Business Networks such as Sligo Chamber Skillnet.

Across Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo, more than 1,200 businesses and over 4,800 people participated in Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives during 2025.

The annual report states that more than 35,100 training days were delivered across the three counties, with 55% of participants male and 45% female.

The report also found that 96% of participating businesses across the region were small and medium-sized enterprises.

Commenting on the uptake of Skillnet Ireland supports in 2025, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said: “Skillnet Ireland’s 2025 Annual Report highlights the strong commitment of both Government and enterprise to investing in the skills and capabilities of our workforce.

“The engagement of more than 23,000 businesses in Skillnet Ireland programmes during the year demonstrates a clear recognition that skills development is essential to driving productivity, growth and competitiveness.

“As our economy continues to evolve, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development is more important than ever. Through Skillnet Ireland, we are helping businesses of all sizes to respond to changing skills needs, embrace new technologies and seize emerging opportunities.

“This Government remains committed to ensuring that enterprises across every sector and region have access to the talent and expertise they need to grow, compete and succeed.”

Mark Jordan, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland, said: “The impact reflected in our 2025 Annual Report is a testament to the strength of the partnerships that underpin the Skillnet Ireland model.

“We greatly value the engagement and commitment of our enterprise partners, industry bodies, and higher education institutions, whose collaboration ensures that skills development remains responsive to real business needs.

“As the nature of work continues to evolve, Skillnet Ireland remains committed to working alongside our partners to deliver industry-led upskilling that supports enterprise growth, enhances workforce capability and strengthens the competitiveness and resilience of the Irish economy.”

Nationally, more than 23,000 businesses participated in Skillnet Ireland upskilling and training programmes during 2025, involving 84,515 workers.

According to the annual report, businesses contributed €26.5 million, representing 36% of the total €74 million investment in enterprise upskilling during the year.