Press release from Meath County Chamber
01.02.21
Mid East regional skills forum meets with Ministers
Minister Simon Harris and Minister Niall Collins met with the Mid-East Regional Skills Forum members this morning to discuss the future needs for training and further education in the region. The Mid-East regional skills forum is part of the Governments National Skills Strategy to provide an opportunity for employers and the education and training system to work together to meet the emerging needs of their regions.
The forum comprises of Louth/Meath ETB, Kildare/Wicklow ETB, Maynooth University, Skillnet Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and other key stakeholders including County Meath Chamber. The meeting included input from three County Meath Businesses who updated the Minister on challenges and opportunities facing their sectors- Dromone Engineering Ltd, Epicom Food Ltd and CalX Instrumentation Services Ltd.
County Meath Chamber was represented by CEO Paula McCaul who briefed the Ministers on the work already carried out and in progress to promote Apprenticeship and Traineeship opportunities within the business community in Meath. The County Meath Chamber Apprenticeship Expo, held in February 2020 and attended by over 3000 people was an ideal example of how employers can connect directly with potential candidates seeking to build sustainable careers. The expo brought employers, education providers and state agencies together in a live demonstration to job seekers, career switchers and 3rd-5th year secondary school students (and their parents and teachers) to showcase the wealth of Earn & Learn opportunities in the North/Mid East region.
Following on from the expo’s success and not being deterred by the Covid 19 restrictions facing networking opportunities, a virtual month-long showcase of jobs/skills & training opportunities was hosted by County Meath Chamber in October 2020. Weekly webinars were held focusing on apprenticeships, remote working, virtual interviewing and skills and training opportunities. There are plans already in place to host the event online again in 2021.
Paula sits on the Steering Committee of the M1 Skillnet and liaises on an ongoing basis with the Regional Skills Centre in Dundalk and LMETB’s Employment Engagement Officer to secure value for money training for business in Meath. “I would call on all businesses to engage with County Meath Chamber to let us know what your training requirements are for 2021. We can then seek out the support you need and connect you to the relevant training provider.”
Upskilling and reskilling for a more resilient workforce has never been more important in the Mid- East region. As companies move online, adapt to changing economic environments and prepare to reopen their businesses fully following the relaxing of Covid 19 restrictions, now is the time to act.
For more information on training supports contact County Meath Chamber on info@countymeathchamber.ie