welcome address Skillnets National Conference REAL SKILLS, REAL PEOPLE, REAL BUSINESS:

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1 2 MARCH 2008 welcome address Skillnets National Conference REAL SKILLS, REAL PEOPLE, REAL BUSINESS: Learning our way to success: The Skillnets Perspective Wednesday 7th May 9.00 a.m. Start (continental breakfast from 8.00 a.m.) VENUE: Croke Park, Hogan Suite KEYNOTE SPEAKER:Anne Heraty, Chief Executive, Cpl Resources plc & Chair, Expert Group on Future Skills Needs GUEST SPEAKER: MC: EXPO: WHO SHOULD ATTEND: REGISTRATION: Minister Micheál Martin T.D. Dr. John Bowman, Broadcaster & Historian Skillnets networks from a range of regions and sectors will exhibit on the day Business representative organisations, government departments, state bodies, educational bodies, strategy groups, network managers, promoting organisations and consultants Register online: Contact: The Events Team (01) info@theconferenceoffice.ie ALSO IN THIS ISSUE All-Island Training Networks page 3 Recent Launches pages 6 & 7 FETAC Awards page 9 It is my pleasure and honour on behalf of the Board of Skillnets to welcome 123 training networks to the Training Networks Programme (TNP) Skillnets has indeed come a long way since its inception in 1999 as a pilot project in enterprise-led training. The success of this concept of businesses, small and large, identifying and delivering in a shared way on their own training needs has ensured that the Skillnets Training Networks Programme has become a key player in training and learning delivery in Ireland. In line with national policy, many of these new networks will have a strong focus on the training needs of the lower skilled. The range and diversity of our network structure has also expanded both regionally and nationally with many networks providing innovative training in sectors as wide ranging as agriculture, design, technology, construction, food & drink, hospitality, manufacturing, space, radio, renewable energy, responsible tourism, restaurants and childcare amongst others. I look forward to the continuing success of the Skillnets story through the new programme and to networks making a real difference to employees, employers and the economy as a whole. Continuing to boost skills and productivity in Ireland in the current global economic climate is of paramount importance and is one of the most effective tools in ensuring that our economy stays competitive. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the effort and hard work of all those involved in the Training Networks Programme (TNP) , the many networks, their members and the Skillnets staff. CHAIRPERSON, SKILLNETS LTD

2 from the Chief Executive s desk Welcome to the second edition of Skillnets News. The year began with a flurry of activity for new networks in the Training Networks Programme (TNP) and for the Accel Programme with projects bringing their activities to a successful conclusion. I would like to welcome all our new networks to the programme for and to wish them much success in the two years ahead. Some of these networks are existing networks but many are new networks reaching new sectors and new regions. It has been a pleasure to attend many of the network launches, some of which are highlighted in this newsletter. At the time of writing this newsletter, our remaining Accel projects are in full swing, while some are in the process of completion. Indeed, some Accel projects have already begun the journey with the Training Networks Programme The Accel Programme was a tremendous success commencing in January 2006 with 55 projects, ranging all across the country in many regions and sectors. The achievements of the programme include the development of new certified programmes at all levels of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in conjunction with national universities and FETAC. A summary report of the outcomes of the programme will be available later in ISIT Skillnet Launch New Online Facility ISIT Skillnet has launched a new website, to provide customers with a totally seamless service which will enable them to identify the courses to meet their training needs and to book those courses online. A major development for the ISIT Skillnet website will be the Course Booker facility which will give clients complete control of their training requirements by allowing them to book a course online and receive automated confirmation, reminders and invoices via . Visit or contact for further information. The Skillnets National Conference REAL SKILLS, REAL PEOPLE, REAL BUSINESS: Learning our way to success: The Skillnets Perspective will take place in Croke Park on Wednesday 7th May 2008 with Minister Micheál Martin kindly opening the event. The key objectives of the conference are to disseminate the experience and learning from the Training Networks Programme (TNP) , the Accel Programme and to inform our stakeholders, and our new networks about TNP A number of publications will be launched at the conference. I look forward to seeing many of you there. Alan Nuzum, CEO SKILLNETS LTD Enterprise Bus Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Michéal Martin T.D. launched the first ever mobile advice and support centre for small businesses The Enterprise Bus on Tuesday 29th January The Enterprise Bus is a joint initiative between the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEB s) and Bank of Ireland. To find out more information log on to: 2

3 Programme News All-Island Training Networks Skillnets are partners with InterTradeIreland (ITI) in a pilot project to test the concept of training networks within the island of Ireland. InterTradeIreland was established six years ago under the Good Friday Agreement as a cross border trade and business development body to aid co-operation across a range of areas including infrastructure, innovation and enterprise development within the island of Ireland. Following exploratory talks and research carried out in 2006 between Skillnets and ITI, the opportunity to apply for additional funding for activities in Northern Ireland (NI) was offered to all Skillnets Training Networks Programme (TNP) networks on a one year trial basis. A maximum target of five networks was considered for support. Skillnets facilitated the customisation of an ITI application process based on the Skillnets model. It was agreed that ITI would manage the initiative and that both organisations would jointly monitor the programme. The core objective of each successful network was to initiate effective collaboration between companies in a training context and to get companies engaged in activity on an all Island basis. Funders were keen to see different initiatives tested. The successful networks were the Digital Media, Wireless, Software, First Polymer and SLM Manufacturing Skillnets. Digital Media, Wireless and Software Skillnets are now working through Momentum, the trade association representing Northern Ireland s Information Communications and Technology (ICT) industry. Momentum assists member companies to achieve success by providing a range of networking events and support services. First Polymer and the SLM Manufacturing Skillnets are building on established links with NI companies. It is hoped to host a dissemination event in late 2008 open to all agencies on the island to advise them of the outcomes of the project and the effectiveness of the Skillnets Training Networks Model in an all island context. The Graduates of the Skillnets CPD Diploma Professional Development Programme (PDP) Skillnets provides a Professional Development Programme (PDP) for all network managers in order to support them to fulfill the complex role of managing a learning network, that meets the business needs of its member companies and trainees. Skillnets also offers an optional Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Diploma in Managing Business Networks, which is accredited by Dublin Institute of Technology, at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The programme is a flexible and practical work-based programme and in addition to supporting a network managers role, it offers participants career progression opportunities. In December 2007, twenty network managers successfully graduated with the Skillnets CPD Diploma. This group demonstrated great commitment and ingenuity throughout the year. Congratulations to all for their hard work and achievement. The course work completed by students provided a great insight into the excellent work being done by Skillnet networks nationally. Skillnets would like to acknowledge the professionalism and support of John Jameson, Head of Business, DIT Business School, and his team at DIT, for their continued support. We look forward to working with those who are successful in the application for the Diploma in This Diploma shall be run again in

4 Programme News Skillnet Networks Awards Winners at the IITD National Training Awards Now in its tenth year, the Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD) National Training Awards which is sponsored by FÁS and supported by Harvest Resources, aim to recognise organisations, which demonstrate best practice and an ongoing commitment to training & developing their people. A record number of entries were received for this year s awards, and is a testament to how the awards recognise and celebrate hard work and dedication. Entries are judged on the basis of level of resource and investment in training & development activity relative to the size of the organisation; the scope of delivery and practice and the levels of innovation displayed in training & development initiatives. The 2008 National Training Awards took place at Killashee House Hotel, Naas, on Friday, February 22nd 2008 with three Skillnet networks receiving awards in the Networks and Groups category. Terri Moloney, Laing O Rourke Ireland, Lorraine Mannion, Network Manager and Tracy Latham, Network Assistant Construction Skillnet showing off their award. The Award Winners The Construction Skillnet received the sector winner award for its strategic approach to delivering the skills required in what is a very fluid and challenging sector. The judges agreed that the Skillnet is very analytical of its activities and that the application presented clear linkage to industry best practice. ork The Design Ireland Skillnet received an outstanding nd achievement award for its achievements in increasing the illnets. levels of participants trained in member companies by 30%. The Space Industry Skillnet received an outstanding achievement award for its achievements in delivering international expertise at local level to its member companies and receiving recognition as the only space industry training network in Europe. Danny Gleeson and Catherine Lenehan from the Space Industry Skillnet with Sinead Heneghan, Director, Irish Institute of Training & Development and Tracey Donnery, Skillnets. Speaking at the awards, Sinead Heneghan, Director, Irish Institute of Training & Development (IITD) congratulated all those who received awards and commented, with one eye on an uncertain economic outlook, the importance for Irish companies of sustaining themselves within the knowledge economy has never been more relevant. Now, more than ever, training & development is recognised and utilised by these companies as a key tool in the battle between business success or failure. Barry Sheehan, Vice Chairman, Deirdre Doherty, Network Manager and Garrick Stark, Promoter, all Design Ireland and Tracey Donnery, Skillnets. 4

5 Network News Accel Dinner & Awards Innovation & Lean Symposium The Accel Programme held a Gala Dinner on the 30th November at the Clarion Hotel, Sligo, to celebrate the success of all the projects involved during 2006/2007. Over 100 guests enjoyed an evening of networking and dancing. 7 projects received 8 awards on the night. EXCEPTIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT Pat Garvey RAISER, Raising Skills Level in the Craft Bakery Industry Caoimhe Cullinane ICBE Success through Knowledge Helena Bracken The Irish Pest Control Accel Project EXCEPTIONAL PROJECT ADMINISTRATION Two days of thought provoking keynotes, topical discussion, interactive learning sessions and the industry s best networking opportunity to assist companies in devising lean strategies was held in Dromoland Castle, Clare on 25th and 26th February Breeda O Carroll ICOS Cooperative Accel Net Nicole Collins Irish Coaching Development Network Ltd. EXCEPTIONAL BRANDING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Helena Bracken The Irish Pest Control Accel Project Dick Whelan Renewable Energy Skills Aisling Lynch Donegal Design Directorate Mat Kujawa, Accel, Michael Tunney, Promoter and Aisling Lynch, Project Manager of the Donegal Design Directorate Accel Project receiving their award for exceptional branding and public relations. The symposium focused on the sharing of information, providing valuable networking opportunities and a platform to extract knowledge, guidance and practical experience from a distinguished panel of speakers from Toyota Motors USA, Wells Fargo, the University of Kentucky, Branson Inc, the Mayo Clinic and Rolls Royce. Pioneering executives and managers are applying the principles of lean thinking to business processes across all enterprises to improve competitiveness, efficiency and accelerate growth. Lean thinking has begun transforming all businesses throughout the world just as it has been transforming manufacturing processes for decades. Lean is a necessity to stay competitive and efficient and has changed the way the world does business. To find out more info@icbe.ie 5

6 Recent Events Networks across the country have been very busy in the first quarter. Pictured over the next 2 pages are snapshots of some of the launches. Jimmy Kinahan, Engineers Ireland, Grace Grennan, Engineers Skillnet, Micheál Martin T.D., Denis Crowley, Arup and Patrick Foley, Engineers Skillnet at the launch of the Engineers Skillnet in the Clarion Hotel, Cork. EnviroSkillnet Tracey Donnery, Skillnets, Tim Maher, Chairman of FRS Skillnet, Ruairi Deasy, IFA Skillnets Chairman, Siobhán Dooley, Network Manager, Máire Hoctor, Minister of State, Peter Byrne, CEO of FRS and Rebecca Doyle, Network Administrator at the launch of the FRS Skillnet in the Abbey Court Hotel, Tipperary. Catherine Shiels, President, Irish Hardware and Buildings Material Association (IHBMA), with Tom O Connor, Cork, Past President, IHBMA at the official launch of the Irish Hardware Skillnet by Minister for Labour Affairs, Billy Kelleher T.D., in Buswells Hotel, Dublin. Pictured at the launch of EnviroSkillnet at the Lewis Glucksman Gallery, UCC are: Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin T.D. (centre), EnviroSkillnet Board of Directors, Roger Gillespie WYG, Dr Shirley Gallagher, Dr Fidelma Butler (Chairperson), Lesley Lewis, Limosa Environmental, Sharon Parr, Burren LIFE, Aine Ryan, RPS and Conor Kelleher, Aardwolf Wildlife Survey. Limerick Chamber Skillnet Martina McGrath, Network Co-ordinator, Limerick Chamber Skillnet, Cllr. Ger Fahy, Mayor of Limerick, Anne Morris, Network Manager, Limerick Chamber Skillnet and Donal Fitzgibbon Limerick Chamber Steering Group at Limerick City Hall announcing details of the Launch of the Limerick Chamber Skillnet. James Malone, President, Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA), Dervla O'Neill, Target Accel Programme Manager and Mr. Tom Kitt, T.D., Minister of State at the Dept of the Taoiseach. 6

7 Recent Events Mr Sean Haughey, T.D., Alan Nuzum, CEO, Skillnets and Lorcan O Hobain at the launch of the Print and Packaging Skillnet in the St. Stephens Green Club, Dublin Sarah Carroll, Chairperson Events Industry Skillnet, Cllr. Ger Fahy, Mayor of Limerick, Gráinne O'Reilly, Network Manager, Events Industry Skillnet and Cllr. Leo Walsh, Limerick County Council at the launch of the Events Industry Skillnet in the Absolute Hotel in Limerick. Minister Pat Carey, T.D. speaking at the Dublin North Skillnet launch in the Crowne Plaza, Santry. Pictured at the launch of the Training Providers Competency Skillnet aboard the Jeanie Johnston replica famine ship, Alan Nuzum, CEO, Skillnets, Mr. Sean Haughey T.D., Minister for Lifelong Learning, Nora Byrne, Network Manager and Dr. Senan Cooke, Chairperson Training Provider Competency Skillnet. Southern Tipperary Skillnet Front, left to right: Louise Ryan, Curran Signs & Roadmarkings, Clonmel, Tina Mulhearne, Vice President, Clonmel Chamber, Anna Griffin, Clonmel Healthcare. Back, left to right: Tom Larkin, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Carrick on Suir, Michael Cox (Consultant), Ger Sammon, Stakleums Hardware, Thurles and Frank O'Donoghue, CEO, Clonmel Chamber at the launch of Southern Tipperary Skillnet at Hotel Minella, Clonmel. Mick McHugh, Skillnets, Minister of State, John Browne T.D., Martin McLoughlin, ISAC Chairperson and Martina McLoughlin, Network Manager at the IASC Conference & Trade Show in the Marriott Johnstown House Hotel, Co. Meath. Professional dance Victoria Walker (who conducts stress management and team building exercises through dance) kicked off the launch of ROLE Skillnet in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon. 7

8 Network News FBD CREST Retail Excellence Awards 2007 A total of 479 stores entered the FBD CREST Retail Excellence Awards this year. Over 260 leading Irish retailers attended the awards ceremony hosted by RTE's Miriam O Callaghan in Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare in November Stores competing for the top retail award undergo a number of rigorous mystery shopping visits. Each store owner is required to submit a profile of their store detailing commercial viability and differentiation from the competition. CREST is a not for profits organisation established in 1995 to support the Irish independent retail sector. The company is owned by its 4,000 member stores and receives funding under the Skillnets initiative. To find out more info@retailexcellence.ie Unique Pilot Training Programme in Donegal In a presentation to mark their successful completion of a unique pilot training progamme, 14 entrepreneurs, all members of the Donegal Design Directorate Accel project, were awarded certificates from the Institute of Leadership and Management in February The Directorate promotes the value of good design to small and micro business in Donegal and throughout the North West. They completed a programme that included modules on product design, branding, new product development and marketing online. O Brien s Wine, Beer & Spirits, 26th store at Parkway Shopping Centre Limerick was awarded the 2007 National Retail Store of the Year title at the annual FBD CREST Retail Excellence Awards. Pictured left with the award is Tom Kitt T.D., Minister of State at the Department of An Taoiseach, Miriam O Callaghan, Mike Curran, O'Briens Wine, Beer & Spirits Limerick, Brendan O'Brien, Managing Director, O'Briens Wine, Beer & Spirits, Michael Berkery, Chairman FBD Holdings plc, and Marian O'Gorman, Managing Director Kilkenny Group and CREST Skillnet Chairman. The training programme was great, said Catherine Sproule of Guava Juice Bar. Our old company brand didn t portray the company the way we wanted. The training programme took me step by step through re-branding the business, and simple design tips like clearly marking the health benefits of our products on the packaging have had an immediate impact on sales. Most training programmes I m interested in are either very expensive or based in Dublin or the UK, and in retail taking time off to travel for training is difficult, said Liam Foy of Foy & Company. The Design Directorate has provided a really high-quality course at low cost and delivered it here at home. Members of the Donegal Design Directorate Accel Project who were awarded certificates from the Institute of Leadership and Management on completion of the Design Training Programme for micro enterprises. 8

9 Network News Prestigious Food Writers Guild Award for Craft Butchers Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland (ACBI), the promoter of the Craft Butchers Development Accel Project has been honoured as one of the recipients of the prestigious awards made by the Irish Guild of Food Writers at a special function at L Ecrivain restaurant recently. The awards were presented by Minister for Food, Trevor Sargent T.D. The award is for their sustained work in ensuring the survival and development of craft butchers and small scale abattoirs, for FETAC certified training for butchers and maintaining traditional manufacturing skills. A delighted ACBI Chief Executive Pat Brady thanked the Guild for both this award and its support for ACBI. He said the award was a reward for the self belief of that generation of craft butchers who had the foresight and the skills to create ACBI in 1999 as a response to the challenges then facing the sector. He paid a particular tribute to Bord Bia for its initial role in creating ACBI and for its support since and to Accel which had a vital role in developing the new association's business development capacity. Minister for Food & Horticulture, Trevor Sargent, T.D. and Mairin Uí Chomain, Chairperson of the Irish Guild of Food Writers make the presentation to ACBI Chief Executive Pat Brady at L'Ecrivain. Former Champion Trainer takes part in the 1st ever National Greyhound Symposium Former champion UK trainer Linda Jones took part in the first ever Greyhound Skillnet Symposium in Nenagh on November 25th The symposium was an opportunity for all greyhound enthusiasts to network with each other and gain valuable insights from industry leaders. Speakers included Linda Jones, Michael Enright and Pat Herbert, Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) and Alessandro Piras a surgeon from Italy, based in Newry who has lectured as far wide as America and Australia. Issues covered all areas of the sport including training, breeding and nutrition and veterinary issues. FETAC Awards First Polymer Training Skillnet, SLM Skillnet, Learning Waves and IASC Skillnet all received their FETAC Quality Assurance Agreements after they each submitted nine policies and 48 procedures to FETACs Quality Assurance programme last year. The awards were presented by Mr. Sean Haughey, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, at a ceremony hosted by FETAC in Clontarf Castle in Dublin on Thursday 31st January Stan McHugh, Chief Executive, FETAC, Seán Haughey T.D., Minister for Lifelong Learning, Dick Whelan, Network Manager, Renewable Energy Skillnet and Anna Kelly, FETAC Council member at the presentation of a FETAC Quality Assurance Agreements to Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet on the 8th of February. Stan McHugh, FETAC, Donal O Donovan, Skillnets, Catherine Collins, First Polymer Training Skillnet, Stephen O Leary, First Polymer Training Skillnet, Roisin Sweeney, FETAC, Teresa Hanratty, Learning Waves Skillnet & Donal O Rourke FETAC. 9

10 Network News Marketing in a Total Access World Dr. Michael Carroll, Trainer Diploma in Coach Supervision First in Ireland The Irish Coaching Development Network Ltd (ICDN) funded under the Accel Programme has worked together with the Centre for Supervision Training, PCI College and Middlesex University to develop and provide the first Irish based Diploma in Coach Supervision. A group of coaches who earlier this year achieved certificates in Coach Supervision are currently completing a Diploma in Supervision. This course began in Autumn 2007 and will end in Spring The introduction of this course fulfils the primary goal of ICDN to work with the relevant educational institutions, coach training organisations, coaching associations and coaches on the co-development of an independent national framework for the development and accreditation of professional Life & Business coaches in Ireland. The Graduate Development Programme under the Accel Programme funded an event presented by ICT Ireland in association with the National Institute of Technology Management, UCD, with world heavyweight businessman Regus McKenna at the O Reilly Hall in November The workshop gave companies an insight into new marketing paradigms for the rapidly changing world created by new internet-based technologies. Joining Mr. McKenna was Microsoft s senior strategist, Michael Platt with a host of local speakers. Eddie Higgins, EQUAL Ireland Skillnet, explaining the finer details of the EQUAL Ireland ESC Programme to Michael Ahern, T.D., Minister of State for Innovation Policy and Peter Cassels of the National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP). Research & Development Grant Scheme Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, T.D., launched a revised and simplified Research and Development (R&D) Grant Scheme which will make 500m available to companies across all sectors with a particular emphasis on SME s. The revised R&D grant scheme will facilitate more companies to undertake R&D activity, catering for R&D novice s right up to R&D leaders. To find out more log on 10

11 Network News Design Week launched by Minister Mary Coughlan, T.D. The first ever Donegal Design Week, hosted by Donegal Design Directorate Accel project, part of Enterprising Donegal Business Week 2008 was held in March in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. The Design Week included a series of events to celebrate and showcase the work of Donegal designers, and to highlight the benefits good design is bringing to a range of local businesses. The main design events of the week were the Donegal Design Conference on Wednesday March 12th, and Show Off, a design exhibition running throughout the week showcasing the new work of Donegal designers in fashion, textiles, product design, photography, media and visual design. This week-long exhibition included the work of designers such as Marina Hamilton painter and sculptor, Doherty Furniture and Kitchen Makers, Sharp Design, Patricia Given Couture, Made with Wood, Shaun Egan Photography, WORCstudio, Eilish Kennedy Designs, McGonigle Glass and Hannah McGuinness Jewellery. Irish companies that integrate design as part of their business are two and a half times more successful than those that don t, but only 15% of them are grabbing this opportunity Minister Mary Coughlan, T.D. told an audience at the official launch of Donegal Design Week, quoting a report by the Centre for Design Innovation. Donegal Design Week provides a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to learn from their peers how to use design to protect and grow their businesses. the Minister said. Minister Mary Coughlan, T.D. launching Donegal design Week The Donegal Design Conference on Wednesday March 12th was one of the big highlights of Design Week. The one day conference of workshops delivered practical tools to small businesses around four areas of design: Creativity, Usercentred Design, Branding and Service Design. Each session will provided attendees with a clear understanding of the session topic, case studies of how other organisations have applied similar tools to grow their businesses, a practical tool businesses can apply to their own business and a physical takeaway for easy reference. Donegal Design Week Models launching Donegal Design Week 11

12 Calendar of Events April SKILLNETS NETWORK MANAGER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (PDP) PDP Cluster Event: Low Basic Skills (LBS) Training and Marketing Your Network (each network manager will be assigned to 1 day) Diploma in Managing Business Networks, Tutorial 1 Diploma in Managing Business Networks, Workshop 2 May June Skillnets National Conference, Croke Park Diploma in Managing Business Networks, Tutorial 2 Masterclass One Working Effectively with Steering Groups Diploma in Managing Business Networks, Workshop 3 Further information on the above events will be forwarded to networks in the coming weeks. editorial matters We are delighted to bring you the second issue of Skillnets News. The newsletter is a communications tool for Skillnets staff, networks, projects and stakeholders across the country. Thank you to all those networks and projects who contributed to this issue and we look forward to another issue in the second quarter of The editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to edit or omit submitted material. No responsibility can be accepted for the loss of submitted material. Material from the Skillnets magazine, unless copyright is indicated, may only be reproduced with written permission from the publishers. Please send your news and photographs to the editor at the following address. The Skillnets Newsletter is published by: Skillnets Ltd. Level 1, Frankfort Court, Dundrum Road, Dublin 14 Editor: Sinéad McGovern Tel: Fax: communications@skillnets.com Web: The Training Networks Programme is an initiative of Skillnets Ltd and is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Skillnets Ltd. registered in Ireland No Registered office: One Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1.