Skills to Advance
Through your local ETB
Neither scheme pays you money. They cut the cost of a course, sometimes to nothing, so it is worth asking before you pay full price for training.
Quick facts
- Skills to Advance
- Through your local ETB
- Cost
- Highly subsidised, depends on your skill level
- Skillnet
- 68 business networks by sector or region
- Unemployed?
- Skillnet's Skills Connect training is free
- Ask
- Your employer, your ETB, or a Skillnet network
Who it is for
Skills to Advance is for people in work. It is aimed especially at people in lower-skilled jobs, people aged 50 or over, and people whose job is changing a lot.
Skillnet training mostly goes through employers in a Skillnet Business Network. If your employer is not in one, you can still look for a programme by sector or region.
What it costs
Skills to Advance courses are highly subsidised, depending on your skill level. Your local ETB will tell you what you are eligible for.
Skillnet programmes are paid for by the member companies with funding from Skillnet Ireland, a cost-sharing approach with Government. If you are unemployed, Skillnet training is free for eligible people, through Skills Connect.
How to get on a course
Ask your employer about Skillnet
Check with your employer whether your company is part of a Skillnet Business Network.
Find a network for your sector or region
Each Skillnet Business Network has its own website listing the programmes it provides.
Contact your local ETB about Skills to Advance
Courses vary with local enterprise needs, so your ETB will tell you what is available in your area.
Ask what you will pay
Skills to Advance courses are subsidised depending on your skill level, so ask your ETB before you sign up.
Out of work? Apply for Skills Connect
Apply directly to the Skillnet Business Network running the Skills Connect programme you want.
Things to watch
What is on offer changes by area and sector, so two people in different counties may see different courses. If you are getting a jobseeker's payment, check whether a course affects it before you start.
Common questions
What is Skills to Advance?
A national SOLAS initiative giving people in work highly subsidised upskilling and reskilling courses through their local ETB.
Are Skillnet courses free?
For eligible unemployed people, yes: Skillnet training is free if you are unemployed. For people in work, it is subsidised and arranged through Skillnet Business Networks.
Who is Skills to Advance for?
Anyone in work, particularly people in lower-skilled jobs, people aged 50 or over, and people whose job is changing significantly.
How do I find a Skillnet course?
Ask your employer if your company is in a Skillnet Business Network, or search the networks by sector or region. Each has its own website.