CMETB Supporting Local Employers through the Skills to Advance Initiative

As we approach the end of another busy year, the CMETB Employer Services team reflect on the achievements of the past twelve months. It has been a year filled with growth, progression, and commitment to professional development for many local Companies in the Monaghan and Cavan region. One of the highlights of the year has been the increase in numbers that have enrolled on new courses added to the CMETB Skills to Advance portfolio.

We are delighted to also report a significant increase in enrolment from newly established companies and industries recognising the value, quality and impact of CMETB upskilling programmes.

The Employer Engagement team are continuously adapting to the changing requests from local Employers and offering courses aimed at all businesses in the area. Over the past year CMETB have found a significant increase in the demand for Green Skills and Digital Skills among local businesses are delighted to introduce a number of new courses in both fields.

Green Skills focuses on environmentally friendly practices and sustainable technologies. These skills are becoming increasingly vital as society places a greater emphasis on tackling climate change and adopting more sustainable business practices. CMETB have successfully delivered Environmental Sustainability in the Workplace course to over 13 different companies throughout the Monaghan and Cavan area to date. This course introduces sustainable practices and improvements through the development of a bespoke workplace environmental action plan which can be implemented back into the learner’s workplace. Feedback from companies have been very positive, as one learner explains ‘This training has made our Company aware of the availability of reliable calculation toolkits, grants and other training options that are available locally’

Pictured below is one cohort of Environmental Sustainability in the Workplace participants that completed the course at the Monaghan Institute.

Under the Skills to Advance initiative, CMETB have also launched Digital Skills training to local businesses with the introduction of a Social Media for Business course. This has been greatly welcomed by local Companies seeking to transition into the current digital age. Social media has become an integral part of modern business strategies offering companies powerful tools for marketing, customer engagement and brand building. This course will aid local companies to create and enhance the digital footprint of their business and allow for a fast, efficient, and cost-effective way for businesses to communicate with new customers.

Skills to Advance continues to meet employer demands and deliver courses in Microsoft Office Specialist including Excel, Outlook and Microsoft Office. Proficiency in these applications continue to be highly desirable in today’s workplace, and they are widely used across various industries and sectors. The continued delivery of these foundational software applications demonstrates CMETB’s commitment to providing relevant and practical training to meet the needs of the local community.
CMETB’s Workforce Development Officer, Eileen Roddy has continued to meet with local companies and carry out a training needs analysis to identify and tailor training programs to align with the specific skills and knowledge required by individual companies. The training needs analysis process includes a review of companies training facilities and explores the feasibility of delivering training onsite. One such example is the successful delivery of a tailored suite of courses for O’Reilly Group in Cavan. CMETB arranged for highly qualified tutors to deliver on-site training to employees at the O’Reilly group training facilities.

Since January 2023 over 40 O’Reilly Group employees have completed accredited training courses through the Skills to Advance Initiative. Courses include Excel, Spreadsheets, Leadership and Management, Environmental Sustainability and Employment Law. This training was subsidised through skills to advance funding. O’Reilly HR Manager, Jennifer Flynn summaries ‘I was largely uninformed about the extensive services that Skills to Advance Initiative could offer.. we eagerly anticipate continuing our partnership with CMETB to upskill our employees and continue their professional growth’

One other significant achievement to note this year is the successful completion of the first onsite welding course in Monaghan. This welding training was delivered at Mullan Lighting workshop and was a practical course providing hands on training using MIG welding machines. The customised training allowed for endless creativity to facilitate the Mullan Lighting team and was highly enjoyed by all participants one learner quoting ‘Taking part in this training was one of the greatest decisions I have made in my career!’