Christopher Blackburn’s Post

The first step to building a resilient skills training system in Canada is to embrace the concept that all our collective skills training endeavours comprise a skills ecosystem. Read the latest from the Propero blog, where we discuss how to address global workforce development challenges, approaches to learning, the role of Higher Education Institutions, and the importance of collaboration in building a resilient and adaptable skills ecosystem. #skillsecosystem #workforcedevelopment #highereducation #postsecondary #upskilling https://lnkd.in/gJaCGv9W

This year, Skillnet Ireland is celebrating 25 years of building competitiveness through skills in Ireland. Irish Medtech Skillnet is proud to be one of Skillnet Ireland's 70 Business Networks. The launch of the Skillnet Ireland 2023 Annual Report shows that ✅ 26,626 businesses received upskilling programmes ✅ 97,776 workers received training last year This demonstrates a high level of buy-in from businesses eager to develop their teams in partnership with Skillnet Ireland Business Networks and Initiatives! The report also highlights the demand for industry-led upskilling which we continuously provide for companies in the Medtech and Manufacturing sectors. Download the report here: https://lnkd.in/eDdaBd4D Or read the news story and watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/erntQDwx #BuildingCompetitiveness #Upskilling #SkillnetBusinessNetworks #TalentToThrive Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

#LDINews #ICYMI Learning & Development Institute CEO Sinead Heneghan has been appointed to the newly reformed National Skills Council by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD. The new Council, led by Chair Dr Kevin Marshall, will work independently to provide Government with strategic foresight and expert advice in the area of skills development in Ireland. Minister O’Donovan said: "I am delighted to announce the establishment of the new National Skills Council that was recently reformed on foot of the recommendations from the OECD Skills Review. "With this reform, we are building on an already strong foundation of partnership with the National Skills Council and its important role to-date in helping shape, and reshape, Ireland’s skills policy priorities. "But as societies and industries evolve and change, and changes in the world of work accelerate, so too must our approach to skills, and how we work in partnership. "The new Council is now a demand-led model that will help government to adapt and evolve its policies quickly and in tune with the skills requirements of society and the labour market’’. In pursuing these objectives, the membership of the Council now spans representatives from multinationals, social enterprise, as well as local, family-owned SMEs. This diversity provides a wide range of expertise, first-hand knowledge and a practical understanding of workforce skills needs in terms of the “demand’’ for skills in the economy and society. The new Council will be supported by a High-Level Skills Implementation Group. National Skills Council Membership Chair Dr. Kevin Marshall (Head of Learning & Skills at Microsoft Ireland) Enterprise Members Sinead Heneghan (CEO of the Learning & Development Institute (L&DI)) Patrick Buckley (Managing Director of the EPS Group) Dr. Claire Conneely (Education lead for Google Ireland) Ann Masterson (Management and Training Consultant and Head of HRM Discipline in TU Dublin) James Milligan (Global Head of Technology Solutions at Hays) Carmel Mitchell (Global head of talent at Fidelity International) John O’Shaughnessy (Managing Director of Clancy Construction) Elizabeth Reynolds (Member of IDA Board, formerly of Consumer Healthcare Products Australia, and the China Beverage industry Association) Social Partners Dr. Kara McGann (IBEC’s Head of Skills and Social Policy nominated by IBEC) Ivan Cooper (CEO of The Wheel nominated by the Community and Voluntary Services Pillar) Margaret O’Rourke Doherty (CEO of the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation nominated by ISME) Brian McGann (Head of Organisational Development at SIPTU nominated by ICTU) Expert Advice Dr. Ciarán Dunne (Transversal Skills Director at DCU) Tony Donohoe (Chairman of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs) #learning #development #NationalSkillsCouncil

7,000 SkillsFuture courses will become available for workers over 40 through a SkillsFuture top-up in May. These courses will focus on emerging fields like digital, green, and care economies. However, there's some concern about take-up rate as participation in SkillsFuture-supported courses declined last year, despite more companies sponsoring their workers for such training. In this CNA interview, our very own Deputy President (Industry & Community), Mr Bernard Nee, discusses potential reasons for some not taking up training and the most in-demand areas for workforce development. Some key points he raised were: -       The importance of understanding the needs of industry such that learners acquire in-demand skills; -       The need to strike a balance between equipping the workforce for the longer term and meeting immediate talent demands in the industry; -       To enhance our workforce effectively, upskilling programmes should focus not only on imparting theoretical knowledge but also on developing the practical application of that knowledge. Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gx4guH9Y

The Ongoing Debate on SkillsFuture and Lifelong Learning. In the heart of Singapore's evolving workforce landscape, the government's initiative to bolster SkillsFuture credits by an additional $4,000 for every individual, marks a pivotal stride towards lifelong learning. This initiative is commendable, underscoring the nation's commitment to keeping its workforce agile, relevant, and forward-thinking. However, the effectiveness of this initiative sparks an important conversation that goes beyond the availability of credits. The essence of lifelong learning is not solely in the accumulation of courses but in the active, voluntary pursuit of knowledge and skills that keep us abreast with changing industry trends. While the government hopes to steer the workforce towards relevance through this financial nudge, a pertinent question arises: How many of us will actively seek out these learning opportunities? Research indicates that adult learning phobia is a significant barrier to further education. This fear, coupled with the lack of tangible support from employers, makes it challenging for many to allocate time for upskilling. Despite having $1,500 in SkillsFuture credits previously, like many others, I found myself strapped for time to utilize this benefit effectively. Now, with an additional $4,000, the options may have broadened, but the underlying issues remain unaddressed. If the true aim of SkillsFuture is to ensure the workforce remains competitive and relevant, then perhaps it's time to revisit the drawing board. Policies that not only encourage but also mandate employer support in this learning journey could be the key. Ensuring that companies facilitate and even incentivize the use of SkillsFuture credits might just be the push needed to transform this vision into reality. As we stand at the crossroads of potential and action, let's advocate for a system that bridges the gap between opportunity and uptake. Lifelong learning is a shared journey, and it's only through collective effort from the government, employers, and individuals that we can truly harness the power of education to stay ahead in the ever-evolving global economy. #SkillsFuture #LifelongLearning #WorkforceDevelopment #Singapore #ProfessionalGrowth https://lnkd.in/g6KXUFbj

'The rapid pace of innovation and reduced shelf life of technical skills mean that our training system and employer investment often fail to equip learners with the essential skills needed for success. The launch of Skills England, which aims to identify gaps and address the fragmented and outdated skills landscape by creating a unified framework that brings together businesses, educational institutions and local governments, is a welcome step in the right direction.' #SkillsGap #WorkforceDevelopment #SkillsEngland

SkillsFuture SG’s latest circular has revealed troubling delays in the rollout of subsidies for Progressive Wage Model (PWM) courses targeting our lowest-paid workers. Instead of increasing support, SSG has decided to *defer* enhanced funding for PWM-targeted courses for another 12 months. Why? Allegedly, some Registered Training Providers (RTPs) have been “marketing aggressively”. But does this justify holding back crucial funding? 🤔 ❗ What’s at stake? Lower-wage workers are being held back from much-needed training, left in the lurch while SSG monitors "market behavior”. Isn’t this delay a step backward for upskilling our workforce? 🔍 Is the real issue misplaced trust? The system should target misuse, not hold everyone hostage to minor missteps. If RTPs misuse funding, enforce accountability! But to put critical training programs on hold harms those who need it the most. 🚩 Let’s remember: Words alone don’t change lives - actions do. Every worker deserves access to affordable, accessible education. Why wait until the end of 2025 to figure this out? If Singapore is serious about building an inclusive economy, our support for PWM sectors should be immediate and unwavering. #SkillsFuture #PWM #Upskilling #Singapore #WorkforceDevelopment

#LDINews Learning & Development Institute CEO Sinead Heneghan has been appointed to the newly reformed National Skills Council by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD. The new Council, led by Chair Dr Kevin Marshall, will work independently to provide Government with strategic foresight and expert advice in the area of skills development in Ireland. Minister O’Donovan said: "I am delighted to announce the establishment of the new National Skills Council that was recently reformed on foot of the recommendations from the OECD Skills Review. "With this reform, we are building on an already strong foundation of partnership with the National Skills Council and its important role to-date in helping shape, and reshape, Ireland’s skills policy priorities. "But as societies and industries evolve and change, and changes in the world of work accelerate, so too must our approach to skills, and how we work in partnership. "The new Council is now a demand-led model that will help government to adapt and evolve its policies quickly and in tune with the skills requirements of society and the labour market’’. In pursuing these objectives, the membership of the Council now spans representatives from multinationals, social enterprise, as well as local, family-owned SMEs. This diversity provides a wide range of expertise, first-hand knowledge and a practical understanding of workforce skills needs in terms of the “demand’’ for skills in the economy and society. The new Council will be supported by a High-Level Skills Implementation Group. National Skills Council Membership Chair Dr. Kevin Marshall (Head of Learning & Skills at Microsoft Ireland) Enterprise Members Sinead Heneghan (CEO of the Learning & Development Institute (L&DI)) Patrick Buckley (Managing Director of the EPS Group) Dr. Claire Conneely (Education lead for Google Ireland) Ann Masterson (Management and Training Consultant and Head of HRM Discipline in TU Dublin) James Milligan (Global Head of Technology Solutions at Hays) Carmel Mitchell (Global head of talent at Fidelity International) John O’Shaughnessy (Managing Director of Clancy Construction) Elizabeth Reynolds (Member of IDA Board, formerly of Consumer Healthcare Products Australia, and the China Beverage industry Association) Social Partners Dr. Kara McGann (IBEC’s Head of Skills and Social Policy nominated by IBEC) Ivan Cooper (CEO of The Wheel nominated by the Community and Voluntary Services Pillar) Margaret O’Rourke Doherty (CEO of the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation nominated by ISME) Brian McGann (Head of Organisational Development at SIPTU nominated by ICTU) Expert Advice Dr. Ciarán Dunne (Transversal Skills Director at DCU) Tony Donohoe (Chairman of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs) #learning #development #NationalSkillsCouncil

'The rapid pace of innovation and reduced shelf life of technical skills mean that our training system and employer investment often fail to equip learners with the essential skills needed for success. The launch of Skills England, which aims to identify gaps and address the fragmented and outdated skills landscape by creating a unified framework that brings together businesses, educational institutions and local governments, is a welcome step in the right direction.' #SkillsGap #WorkforceDevelopment