Skillnet Ireland, which is responsible for the promotion and facilitation of workforce learning, is urging employers, employees, industry groups, regional groups and the general public to have their say in informing its new Statement of Strategy 2020-2024.
The new strategy will seek to articulate a vision for the country's workforce development and will set out strategic goals and targets for Skillnet Ireland.
The national agency supported more than 16,000 organisations last year and provided enterprise-led training to more than 56,000 people as it aims to keep enterprises ahead of the curve.
Skillnet Ireland says that with skills shortages and challenges in attracting and retaining talent, the need to have the right people, with the right skills, in the right roles, at the right time is more critical now than ever across the economy.
The agency designs new, innovative programmes targeted to meet specific future skills areas and in recent years has developed programmes in blockchain, artificial intelligence, animation, fintech, cyber security, medical technologies, aviation finance areas.
Brendan McGinty, Skillnet Ireland's chairman, said that workplaces are transforming at an unprecedented pace.
"Upskilling and lifelong learning has never been more important in helping companies and employees adapt to an increasingly complex digital world. We are committing ourselves to more ambitious actions in meeting Ireland's workforce challenges," Mr McGinty said.
Skillnet Ireland's consultation process will include extensive data gathering, surveys, one to one interviews and workshops.
Following an analysis and review of feedback from the consultation process, along with Skillnet Ireland's own research, the new strategy will be launched in November.
The closing date for submissions is 5pm on Tuesday, August 6. Details are are available on Skillnet Ireland's website www.skillnetireland.ie/haveyoursay
Submissions can also be emailed to: strategy@skillnetireland.ie or sent in writing to Statement of Strategy, Skillnet Ireland, Q House, 76 Furze Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18.
