Over 510 Mayo businesses were stronger through skills in 2025

Over 1,800 people and 510 businesses in Mayo chose Skillnet business networks and national initiatives to develop skills, improve competitiveness, and prepare for the future in 2025.

Figures from the Skillnet Ireland Annual Report reveal the national agency for talent development delivered over 13,500 training days in Mayo last year. Of those who undertook training, 54% were women and 46% were men, while those aged 30 to 39 availed of upskilling supports more than any other age group.

Commenting on the uptake of Skillnet Ireland supports from businesses in 2025, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, said: “The Skillnet Ireland 2025 Annual Report highlights the strong commitment of both government and enterprise to investing in the skills and capabilities of our workforce. The engagement of more than 23,000 businesses in Skillnet Ireland programmes during the year demonstrates a clear recognition that skills development is essential to driving productivity, growth and competitiveness.

“As our economy continues to evolve, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development is more important than ever. Through Skillnet Ireland, we are helping businesses of all sizes to respond to changing skills needs, embrace new technologies and seize emerging opportunities.

“This government remains committed to ensuring that enterprises across every sector and region have access to the talent and expertise they need to grow, compete and succeed.”

The vast majority (95%) of companies in Mayo that upskilled their employees with Skillnet Ireland in 2025 were small and medium-size enterprises. The greatest uptake came from the agriculture sector, followed by services, retail, legal, health, construction, and food and drink.

Companies based in Mayo undertook upskilling programmes, with more than 50 of the 70 Skillnet Business Networks based on the sector in which their company operates, or with one of the networks in their region, which include itag Skillnet, Sligo Chamber Skillnet, and Galway Executive Skillnet.

Mark Jordan, chief executive of Skillnet Ireland, stated: “The impact reflected in our 2025 annual report is a testament to the strength of the partnerships that underpin the Skillnet Ireland model. We greatly value the engagement and commitment of our enterprise partners, industry bodies, and higher education institutions, whose collaboration ensures that skills development remains responsive to real business needs.

“As the nature of work continues to evolve, Skillnet Ireland remains committed to working alongside our partners to deliver industry-led upskilling that supports enterprise growth, enhances workforce capability and strengthens the competitiveness and resilience of the Irish economy.”

In 2025, over 23,000 businesses received upskilling and training programmes amounting to 84,515 workers right across the Irish economy. Contributions from businesses represented €26.5 million or 36% of the total investment into upskilling for enterprises (€74 million), which signals a high level of buy-in from industry to developing their teams in partnership with Skillnet Ireland.

As the national talent development agency, Skillnet Ireland is working to support businesses in Mayo, to build competitiveness through skills and to meet both the challenges and opportunities that owning and running a business brings.