Proceedings opened with a keynote address from Skillnet Ireland CEO Mark Jordan, setting a clear tone around the strategic importance of workforce capability in a rapidly evolving economy. This was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring workforce development priorities across the North-East region.
The panel featured Erin McGreehan TD, Louth representative and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, who provided valuable policy insight alongside regional perspectives. Together, speakers highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing employers and employees in building sustainable talent pipelines.
From a learning and development perspective, the event underscored the critical role of targeted upskilling and reskilling in supporting business resilience and employee progression. Attendees also benefited from insights drawn from Ireland’s Talent Landscape research, which examined emerging skills demands, with a particular focus on the digital and green transitions shaping the future of work.
Overall, the session reinforced the importance of collaborative, forward-looking approaches to workforce development, ensuring organisations in the North-East are well-positioned to adapt and thrive.
For more details on how Positive2Work Skillnet funding can help with your workforce development, please contact Network Manager Mark Brennan, mark@p2w.ie 085 1745779
