Skillnet Ireland: Business Impact Survey - Training Networks Programme 2024

Section One – About your Business

Skillnet Ireland is conducting a survey to help us understand the impact of programmes delivered by Skillnet Business Networks in 2024-2025. Survey results will inform the delivery of Skillnet Ireland’s Statement of Strategy 2026-2028, contribute to evidence-based policy making, and provide insights for future Programme enhancements.

About the survey:

This survey is anonymous. You will not be asked for your name, contact details, or any information that identifies you or your business.
Your participation is voluntary. You may skip any question you prefer not to answer.
The survey takes approximately 25 minutes to complete.
SurveyMonkey generally saves your progress if you leave the page or close your browser. If you close the browser tab, your answers on previous pages are saved, but answers on the current page may not be saved if you didn't click "Next". If you clear your browser cookies, or change devices you may not be able to resume and might have to start over.

How we use your responses

Skillnet Ireland will use the survey results only for research, evaluation, and planning purposes.
Responses will be analysed in aggregate and will not be linked to any identifiable individuals or businesses.
All responses will be collected and analysed by Skillnet Ireland’s Performance and Evaluation team.
A summary report may be shared with Government Departments and other stakeholders; however, no individual responses will ever be identifiable.

Legal Basis & Data Protection

Skillnet Ireland process survey data in line with the EU GDPR and the Irish Data Protection Acts. Because the survey is anonymous and collects no personal data:
You cannot be identified from your answers, and
The usual GDPR rights relating to access, rectification, or deletion of personal data do not apply at an individual level.

1.Which of the following describes your position in the business?(Required.)

Other (please specify)

If your business is part of a larger organisation (e.g., a parent company), please provide your best estimate answers for the main unit, site or branch that has worked with Skillnet Ireland.

2.Is this business a subsidiary, branch, plant of branch office of a larger parent organisation?(Required.)

Yes

No

Don’t know

3.In which country is your organisation's overall headquarters located? Please select one option from the drop down menu.(Required.)

4.Which county is your business located in?(Required.)

5.What is your main business sector? (Please select one option from the drop down menu)(Required.)

Other (please say what below)

6.Please indicate below the average number of persons employed in your business over the last two years (total headcount including both full and part time staff).(Required.)

10 or less

11 – 50

51 – 250

251+

7.Thinking about the market conditions for your business between the period 2024 to 2025, how would you rate the economic strength of your business? (Please select one option only)(Required.)

Section Two - Support from Skillnet Business Network(s)

11.Were there any elements of support from your Skillnet Business Network (s) that were particularly beneficial?(Required.)

12.Were there any elements of support from your Skillnet Business Network (s) that could be improved? How would you suggest that they are improved?(Required.)

Section Three - Benefits of Skillnet Business Network(s) Support

16.Has your business participated in a training programme or course in relation to Artificial Intelligence, provided by a Skillnet Business Network or Skillnet National Initiative?(Required.)

Yes

No

21.Which of the following has your business been able to do since 2024 as a result of participation in Skillnet Ireland programmes? Please select all that apply.(Required.)

Grown within existing markets in Ireland or other jurisdictions

Entered new markets within Ireland or other jurisdictions

Other (please specify)

22.As a result of upskilling supports provided by a Skillnet Business Network, the business is likely to grow over the next 2-3 years

Yes

No

Section Four - Workforce Impacts

23.Has participation in Skillnet’s training contributed to an expansion in the size of your business's workforce since 2024, compared to what otherwise would have been the case? Please select one option only.(Required.)

Yes, employee numbers have increased since 2024 as a result of participation in Skillnet Ireland programmes

Not yet, but employee numbers are likely to increase within the next year as a result of participation in Skillnet Ireland programmes

No, employee numbers have not increased, and are not likely to increase within the next year.

Section Five - Future Training Needs

26.Do you plan to undertake further training in the next three years with a Skillnet Business Network?(Required.)

Yes

No

27.What skill gaps have you identified as being critical to the future success of your business?(Required.)

28.How much funding do you plan to invest in learning and development supports the next three years?(Required.)

29.If additional funding became available through your Skillnet Business Network, would your company participate in additional training?(Required.)

Yes

No

Final Comments

30.Please provide below any additional comments or feedback that you wish to share on Skillnet Business Networks.(Required.)

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey

Skillnet Ireland: Business Impact Survey - Training Networks Programme 2024 - 2025

Introduction