What we do

The ICOS Skillnet is a network of member co-operatives nationwide. Members use the network to avail of grant-assisted training and networking opportunities for their owners, managers and staff.

We believe that members need to improve the skills of their workforce if they are to grow and be successful in today’s business environment.

The ICOS Skillnet application under the Skillnet Ireland Training Networks Programme 2018/19 has been successful and grant aid for 2019 has been secured.

The network’s long term strategy is to continue in supporting the co-op and agri-business sectors in meeting their training & development needs to sustain competitiveness and growth for the sectors.

We provide training in the following areas: Co-operative & Industrial Provident Society Director
Training; People Management; Planning & Strategy; Management Development; Communication Skills; Sales & Marketing; Finance; Technical Skills; Health & Safety and Information Technology.

For further information on ICOS Skillnet, please contact (01) 613-1348 or email info@icosskillnet.ie

The ICOS Skillnet is funded by Skillnet Ireland and member companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills.

 

Our aims

The aims of the programme are:

  • To provide industry specific, customised and most relevant training to the member companies in order to improve their competitiveness.
  • To promote training as a viable strategic tool.
  • To improve the quality of training and development activities and provide real opportunities to employees of the member companies.
  • To assist in creating a long term future for co-operative businesses in rural areas.
  • To contribute to the upskilling of the unemployed.

Promoting Agency

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Steering Group

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Member Companies

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About Skillnet Ireland

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Management Development

Enhancing management capacity, particularly in SMEs, is key priority for all Skillnet Ireland networks. In addition to the programmes our network delivers, Skillnet Ireland has a suite of Management Development Programmes available to help business owners and managers improve business performance and enable businesses achieve better results. Click here for more information on the Skillnet Ireland website.

Employment Activation Programmes

ICOS Skillnet focusses on supporting those in employment within the co-operative and agri-business sector. A number of other Skillnet Networks participate in the Skillnet Ireland Employment Activation programme. This initiative is designed exclusively for unemployed people and includes free training in skills in demand by companies combined with direct access to employers through meaningful work placements. For further information on Skillnet Networks offering free training programmes for those seeking employment, subject to eligibility criteria, see the Skillnet Ireland website.

Testimonials

“ICOS skillnet has been crucial in supporting the development and delivery of our learning and development within the business.”

“Their support in the development of courses has been hugely beneficial with access to industry working groups to help shape the training to best meet our business needs. It is also through the ICOS network that we have been able to access the best trainers available to deliver the training and add real value to our learning and development programmes year on year. Our staff, and the overall business in general, have benefited greatly from ICOS and this is a major factor into our continued support of this network”
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Stephen Hickey - HR Business Partner

Glanbia Agribusiness

“Bandon Co-op are strong advocates of continuous training and without question improved knowledge is an essential component in the skillset of our staff who in turn contribute to the success of our organisation.”

“We have been associated with ICOS/Skillnet for a number of years now and the best thing about this partnership is they provide educational course content that is relevant to our specific industry. Recently ICOS/Skillnets developed their own Management Development Programme and was rolled out earlier this year. The key aim of this programme is to improve the capabilities of middle management and those wishing to enter management. Feedbackfrom our participants on the programme to date has been very positive due to the highly interactive learning environment”
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Michael O’Driscoll - Purchasing Manager

Bandon Co-op

“Dairygold Co-Operative Society have engaged with and have been supported by ICOS Skillnet on our Learning and Development agenda over many years.”

“From a business perspective we have partnered with the ICOS skillnet network in sourcing and supporting training initiatives across all levels of our organisation. The return on investment and the knowledge transfer have been to the forefront on evaluating all training initiatives. ICOS Skillnet have continually delivered to ensure our training interventions meet the learning objectives through their wide range of training providers. The network and its training providers have a deep understanding of not only the industry but of each member company. I, as HR Manager, look forward to continuing our engagement and involvement with ICOS Skillnet.”
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Philip Ducie - Human Resources Manager

Dairygold Co-Operative Society