:: About Us
South Kerry Skillnet Project is an industry led training program sponsored by the South Kerry Development Partnership as part of its ongoing initiatives to provide cohesive support for enterprise development and the wider community in the area.
The project is funded by Skillnets Ltd. from the National Training Fund through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and by member companies to support the businesses in the area for the period 2008-2009. Further details on Skillnets programs can be found at www.skillnets.ie
Training Programs & Support Services
Training is becoming more important than ever as business knowledge is becoming a key source of competitive advantage and must be ongoing to maintain and improve the performance of individuals and their contribution to the enterprise.
The support activities of the Skillnets project, include training, mentoring and network events, are determined on an ongoing basis by the member businesses ensuring that the project meets its objectives effectively to the benefit of enterprises and workforce in the region. All training courses will be delivered at times and venues in the area that suit the needs of the members, – minimising cost and disruption to the business.
Funding Support
Up to 75% of the direct training costs will be paid by the South Kerry Skillnet project to businesses participating in the training programmes with further support for networking events and collaboration initiatives between member enterprises
Network Membership
Membership of South Kerry Skillnet is open to all private enterprises in the area. Current membership listing stands at 260 businesses representing all major sectors including hospitality, services, retail, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, leisure, arts/crafts and fishing. It is particularly supportive of small businesses with 97 percent of members employing less than 50 people of which over 70 percent employ less than 10 people.
The Importance of Networks for SMEs
To compete and survive in this today’s environment small firms must act to overcome the disadvantages of their size and limited resources. Networks have emerged as the new response to competition and the challenges of globalisation particularly for small businesses providing a way for firms to develop joint solutions to common problems.
Involvement in networks allows small firms to specialise on their core competences, combine their strengths with those of other firms, acquire knowledge, achieve critical mass, economies of scale, enter new markets, increase flexibility and innovation, reduce operating costs and engage in initiatives that would otherwise be outside their individual reach.