SIMI Skillnet’s 2020 training response and plans for year ahead
The SIMI Skillnet training team responded very quickly in the early part of the year to meet the challenges of Covid-19.
From March onwards, with Skillnet Ireland providing additional funding, we launched a range of free webinars for members dealing with topics such as cash flow, HR & managing the return to work, keeping in contact with your customers, the economic outlook, preparation for recovery etc.Working with its industry training providers, SIMI Skillnet was able to successfully convert a wide range of previously classroom-based training courses into bitesized online interactive learning events, primarily via Zoom – all in a short period of time. This enabled members in all areas of the country to continue to provide their employees with cost-effective training and development opportunities. New online courses, reflecting the changing ways of working, have been very well received.
Selling New and Used
Vehicles in a Digital Environment is a typical example of such courses. Its main objective is the enhancement of Dealership sales team’s skills and confidence to create leads and increase conversions using digital technology within the current sales environment defined by Covid-19
restrictions. Other online courses covered customer service, workshop management, sales and aftersales management.
As early as was practicable within HSE Covid-19 guidelines, SIMI Skillnet was also able to offer members a range of hands-on practical technical upskilling programmes, including the Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Systems course for Technicians requiring the knowledge and skills to be able to safely remove and replace HV components for hybrid and electric vehicles. The technology and safety challenges presented by hybrid and electric vehicles means that technicians need to understand how these systems operate before proceeding with any repairs as they are very different to traditional vehicles. Other Technical Upskilling courses included: Practical Diagnostic Skills and Electrical Fault Systems.
Summary of training activity 2020
Over 700 employees from more than 300 member companies participated in over 50 separate SIMI Skillnet subsidised training events. It is remarkable that as we approach the end of a year of such unprecedented challenges for our Industry that we are on track to meet, if not exceed, the majority of the training targets set out for 2020 this time last year. We acknowledge that this could only have been achieved with the continued support of Skillnet Ireland and the enthusiasm and willingness of our members to embrace and engage with new training initiatives.
Looking forward to 2021 and beyond
Skillnet Ireland recently launched their Statement of Strategy 2021-2025, Transforming Business through Talent. This strategy will be guided by three main themes over the next five years: workforce design; people development and strategic innovation. Specifically, the strategy aims to achieve an extended reach through the development of new operating models. Skillnet Ireland intends to support 30,000 businesses annually by year-end 2025, from its current baseline of 18,400. By the end of 2025, Skillnet Ireland will provide supports to 100,000 workers annually, from our current baseline of 70,000. It has committed to using its deep industry insights to contribute to a greater extent to the formation and implementation of Government policy. By the end of 2025, Skillnet Ireland says it will have increased to €100 million its annual investment in the Irish workforce, from a baseline of €52 million.
Skillnet Ireland aims to achieve a fourfold increase in innovation-themed workforce development projects delivered annually from its current baseline of 25. The organisation intends to affirm its position as an enterprise support agency and to drive continuous improvement in its operations so they are more customer-centric and better integrated.
It has also committed to addressing bureaucratic barriers and introducing greater digitalisation of processes where necessary, so that it can enhance supports to its partners.
Full details of Skillnet Ireland’s Strategic Goals 2021-2025 are available on www.skillnetireland.ie
