Introduction

About the Skillnet

The ICOS Skillnet is a network of member co-operatives nationwide. Members use the network to avail of grant-assisted training and networking opportunities for their owners, managers and staff. We believe that members need to improve the skills of their workforce if they are to grow and be successful in today’s business environment.

The ICOS Skillnet’s application under the Skillnets Training Networks Programme 2012/13 has been successful and grant aid for 2013 has been secured.

The network’s long term strategy is to continue in supporting the co-op and agri-business sectors in meeting their training & development needs to sustain competitiveness and growth for the sectors.

The aims of the programme are:

• To provide industry specific, customised and most relevant training to the member companies in order to improve their competitiveness.
• To promote training as a viable strategic tool.
• To improve the quality of training and development activities and provide real opportunities toemployees of the member companies.
• To assist in creating a long term future forco-operative businesses in rural areas.
• To contribute to the up-skilling of the unemployed.

We provide training in the following areas: Co-Operative & Industrial Provident Society Director Training; People Management; Planning & Strategy; Management Development; Communication Skills; Sales & Marketing; Finance; Technical Skills; Health & Safety and Information Technology.

In keeping with the current focus of Skillnets, ICOS Skillnet also offers FREE training places to job-seekers who are training with those in employment. If you are unemployed and fulfil the Skillnets definition of a job-seeker, you can attend a range of ICOS Skillnet courses at no cost. For eligibility criteria, please check the following website: http://www.skillnets.ie/job-seekers/eligibility-criteria.

For further information on ICOS Skillnet, please contact (01) 613-1348 or email icosskillnet@icos.ie