KTN Skillnet. Successful Resource for Kerry Businesses

KTN Skillnet. Successful Resource for Kerry Businesses

16 February 2010

Over the past few years Networking has become a vital ingredient to the success of all businesses, where like minded people connect through activities and where individuals and their businesses can benefit from the influence and power of the total network.   Established in 2006 KTN Skillnet is a prime example of an organisation that has successfully used the dynamics of a Network, as they provide Kerry based businesses in the private sector with relevant, high quality and very affordable training, together with a myriad of networking opportunities. 

The organisation is one of the success stories of the region with over 200 Kerry based member companies. Since 2006 the organisation has secured €600k in government funding, ensuring that member organisations receive relevant training locally at rates up to 70% lower than standard course rates, with many events and activities free of charge for members.

In 2009 KTN Skillnet was successful in becoming a registered FETAC Centre and can now run FETAC approved programmes up to Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications.  Over the past four years KTN Skillnet has held more than 170 separate training/networking events, with over 1,200 individual employees of member companies receiving relevant and low cost training through the organisation

Skillnet Chairperson, Niamh O'Shea stated "Much of the success of KTN Skillnet is due to the enterprise led nature of the network.  The activities and events run by us are based firmly on the needs of members as identified through focus groups, networking events, training needs analysis and direct enquiries.  As well as securing international trainers who are experts in their fields, we also have a pool of highly experienced regional trainers who have become the backbone of our network, constantly challenging the way we think about our businesses and our strategies going forward."

The organisation is supported by a strong steering committee of ten members representing a range of business sectors within the region. 

Network Manager Mary Ann McDonagh added "We are in the process of applying for 2010/2011 funding which will help us build on our success and continue to support members with a range of relevant courses, covering such topics as multi-skilling, transferability of key skills as well as lifelong learning.  The new model for 2010 will also support a level of training for the unemployed, as we believe with our expertise we can provide training that is so relevant to the needs of today's labour market as well as relevant to the region."

KTN Skillnet membership is open to all Kerry businesses.   For further call (064) 6637928 or email at info@ktn.ie.  Visitors to the www.ktn.ie can view up and coming events and activities and once a member can also book events on line using the innovative website.