Rural Enterprise Skillnet boost as subsidized training continues.
For information on Rural Enterprise Skillnet Training courses please click here.
The BMW Smallholder Skillnet has been very successful in 2008/09 building a reputation in the region for its enterprise led approach to training provision. It has had many achievements not in the least surpassing all targets as set out in the original application. This brand that has become synonymous with reliability, quality and delivery of training programmes to the smallholder sector has been successful in its funding application extending to the end of December 2010 with a rebrand and extension of remit to embrace enterprise in the wider rural community. This rebrand entails a change of name to the more appropriate and fit for purpose "Rural Enterprise Skillnet".
The Rural Enterprise Skillnet training and activity plan has been developed following intense consultation with key stakeholders and will support the future sustainability and potential of this significant national sector. The vision for 2010/2011 includes plans to extend its remit both geographically and sectoral with a further emphasis on the agri-food sector. The network has recognised through its research very evident shared training needs within connected businesses and identified skill gaps which can be addressed together.
A cost effective re branding exercise introduces the new name and articulates the change in strategy in terms of attracting members from connected businesses and wider geographical areas. A key element of re branding will be to build on the Rural Enterprise Skillnet network's reputation for quality, affordable and enterprise specific training.
The Rural Enterprise Skillnet will deliver key objectives, including:
- Cost-effective and innovative programmes via peer learning methodology utilizing an enormous bank of both contemporary and generational industry experienced skills and knowledge, integrating with existing knowledge transfers and accommodate the busy schedules of members.
- Value for money training which clearly demonstrates a return on investment for the beneficiary and improve their long-term employability.
- Integration of training for employed, part employed and unemployed individuals to enhance attendees knowledge.
- A training and networking plan that responds to existing and emerging challenges facing the sector as articulated by members through the TNA process.
- Elimination of barriers and increase participation in skills development for individuals who have had none/or little access to date to training to improve their long term competitiveness.
- Emphasis on up-skilling, re-skilling, cross skilling of workers across sectors and/or regions for increased mobility, employability and enhanced business performance for the network members.
The recent TNA (training needs analysis) conducted has indicated members have an abundance of technical skills but often require business skills as these individuals are not only producers but also managers of their own business. In formulating the training plan this was a vital consideration with the resulting training in the areas of sales/marketing, product knowledge, financial skills & technical processes.
A unique and enhanced feature of 2010 Skillnet funding is provision of training for the unemployed.
If you are unemployed and fulfil the Skillnets definition of a job-seeker you can attend a range of Skillnets courses at no cost and with no impact on your social welfare payments or benefits. please visit www.skillnets.ie/job-seekers/eligibility-criteria to find out more.
Explaining how the project came about, Network Manager Gerry Gallagher of M.E.D Rural Development Company T/A Rural Enterprise Skillnet, outlines "Conscious of challenging times for rural communities and a lack of access to new income opportunities, we conducted an extensive training needs analysis in the rural community to identify training needs which could make a difference and contribute to improving rural enterprise. Over 200 people surveyed told us what they needed to improve their small enterprises. Based on these findings we submitted a grant application to the Skillnets organization, the enterprise-led support body dedicated to the promotion and facilitation of learning. We are delighted that our funding application was successful and we are now rolling out a very exciting programme of on and off farm training topics unique to rural business".
For further details contact Gerry Gallagher on: 071 9858252
or
e mail: reskillnet@medpartnership.com
For information on Skillnets please visit www.skillnets.ie.
or visit www.skillnets.ie/find-courses
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