Skillnet Ireland and IDA Ireland Celebrate First Strategic Talent Development Programme Graduation

Skillnet Ireland and IDA Ireland are pleased to celebrate the first graduates to achieve a Certificate in Strategic Talent Development awarded by TU Dublin.

Developed by Skillnet Ireland in collaboration with IDA Ireland, this new qualification upskills employees with the expertise to build a robust talent development strategy and plan. The Certificate in Strategic Talent Development offers participants a micro-credential award worth 5 ECTS at Level 9 on the NFQ from the Graduate Business School, Faculty of Business at TU Dublin.

Skillnet Ireland has been successfully delivering the Strategic Talent Development Programme in partnership with IDA Ireland since 2021, with 50 companies and 77 individuals participating in the programme to date.

Mark Jordan, CEO, Skillnet Ireland, emphasised the programme’s impact, saying:

“This programme is a major step forward in equipping businesses with the strategic talent management skills they need for long-term success. A strong talent development strategy creates a pipeline of talent, with the right skills which contributes to increasing competitiveness for businesses.

Through our partnership with IDA Ireland and accreditation from TU Dublin, both companies and learners participate within an environment where they can receive top-tier expertise and recognition. Through initiatives like the Strategic Talent Development Programme, we are not only shaping individual careers but also strengthening the broader ecosystem that drives innovation, competitiveness, and growth.”

Breda O’Toole, Head of Talent Development and Digitalisation at IDA Ireland, said:

“We are immensely proud to celebrate the achievements of our first cohort of graduates. This initiative has been instrumental in helping IDA Ireland client companies develop their workforce strategically, supporting them to be prepared for future skills demands. The knowledge and tools gained through this programme will have a lasting impact on both individuals and businesses.”

Dr Colin Hughes, Head of TU Dublin Graduate Business School, said:

“Strategic talent development is vital for businesses to remain resilient and adaptable in today’s fast-changing economy. This programme, an important part of our wider executive education portfolio, sets a benchmark for targeted upskilling, delivering high-impact learning that enhances capacity while offering formal recognition of skills and expertise.”

The programme was accredited by TU Dublin last year, underscoring the importance of the learning and the value of the qualification.

The graduation ceremony for the programme was held on April 4th at TU Dublin’s Aungier Street campus, where the graduates were recognised for their achievements and contributions to strengthening the talent landscape.

Skillnet Ireland, IDA Ireland, and TU Dublin remain committed to fostering workforce development and look forward to expanding the programme’s reach in the coming years.