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Noreen FitzPatrick Programme Support Manager Skillnets Ltd ICTU, 6 th April 2011. About us. Established in 1999 & funded by the Department of Education & Skills Established to facilitate training and development in Irish enterprises
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Noreen FitzPatrick Programme Support Manager Skillnets Ltd ICTU, 6th April 2011
About us • Established in 1999 & funded by the Department of Education & Skills • Established to facilitate training and development in Irish enterprises • Dedicated to the promotion and facilitation of training and upskilling as key elements in sustaining Ireland's national competitiveness • Over 50 networksnationwidewww.skillnets.ie/networks
Our Mandate • Supporting people in employment (and from 2010 also the unemployed) • Private sector firms which are mostly SME’s • Broad cross section of regions / sectors • Networks led & managed by enterprises themselves • Model that creates solutions to training needs that are tailor-made, up to date, focussed on business results • Creating business opportunities e.g. through networking events etc. • Co-funding strategy (grant + enterprise contribution)
A Training Network “The coming together of a group of enterprises of various sizes, to use their combined talents and resources to achieve results that would not be possible if the enterprises operated individually.”
Some statistics… Since inception: • Over 50,000 Irish enterprises have participated • Over 300 networks across a wide range of sectors/regions • Over 240,000 employees trained
Funding options in 2011 Development Grant • Deadline 4th April • €10,000 grant to assist in establishing a network Full Application Call • Deadline 3rd May
Network Under Development Stages • Stage 1: Prepare application for Development Grant • Goal : Apply for Development Grant • Stage 2: Develop network and full application • Goal : Apply for full Training Networks Programme (TNP) grant
Preparation for Full Application Grant. • Register as Full Application via www.skillnets.ie • Establish the vision for the network (Themes) • Engage with enterprise to establish commitment • Seek support from Skillnets • Prepare an application form • Submit an application by 5pm, 3rd May 2011
Skillnets Support Available…….. • Each applicant will have dedicated Skillnets support personnel • These persons will guide you throughout the process • Each applicant will have the opportunity of at least one support meeting • Support will also be available by email and phone as necessary
Full Application Stage Development Grant Main Application • The model • The process • The themes • Your plan • Application form checklist • Assessment
2011 Application Form – Model, Process and checklist Enterprise Involvement: • Member companies • Steering group composition Budget: • Management (employee V consultant, overheads methodology, audit required) • Income strategy • Under spend & over spend explained Training & Operations Plan • Types of training planned • Training delivery methods (on the job, blended, instructor led etc) • Certification plans • No. of Training Days (employed & unemployed) • No. of Trainer Days • No. of Participants • Training costs • Consultants • Events • Dissemination
Key steps in developing your application • Recruit and select member companies • Assess skills needs of target group (conduct a TNA) • Agree network aims and objectives • Scope network activities • Decide operating structures • Plan network budget • Identify contracting arrangements • Write your network plan for 2011
Member Companies: • What is your common purpose? • Why should these target companies form a network? • Is there already a network in this space? • Thematic area to be covered • What gaps are you addressing? • What is the strategic logic for starting this network at all?
Training Needs Analysis: • The core of the application • Its all about delivering relevant, excellent, value for money training • Ideally – seek gaps in provision • Develop a plan • Focus groups, interviews, “expert” opinion • Be careful about your own assumptions (positive/negative) • What may need to be developed? • Will it be accredited? • How much do you know about accreditation?
Timelines: • Time is short enough • Multi-tasking is critical! • Some things are out of your control • E.g. letters of commitment being returned • Start them early! • Start to work on the application document, it will prompt you • Don’t forget to include the word document!
Closing Date for Full Applications Wednesday 3rd May 2011, 5 p.m.
Your Role Start now Stay focussed Keep in contact with us
Contact info Website: www.skillnets.ie Tel: 01-2079630 (main office) Email: funding@skillnets.ie