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Key Takeaways from a Successful Stakeholder Meeting in Cork

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By Project TALENT4S3

The meeting brought together key regional stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening learning regions, fostering industry collaboration, and addressing workforce challenges, including talent shortages and an ageing population.

Key Points on the Agenda:

  • Project Updates & Interregional Insights:
    The meeting opened with an update from Rhiannon Carey Bates (SRA) on interregional visits and the State of the Art Report, setting the stage for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
  • Developing Learning Regions:
    Dominic Walsh (SRA) provided updates on the Learning Region and Waterford Learning City initiatives, highlighting ongoing efforts to build a stronger learning ecosystem.
  • Industry & Innovation Networks:
    Gavin Jeffrey (Ludgate Hub) and Joe Leddin (Mid-West Regional Skills Forum) shared insights into regional industry clusters and business development initiatives, emphasising the role of innovation hubs in fostering skills and entrepreneurship.
  • Addressing Workforce Challenges:
    Helen McGuirk (MTU) led a discussion on the opportunities and challenges of an ageing population, exploring strategies for lifelong learning and intergenerational workforce engagement. Brian Cahill (MTU, Nimbus/ENTIRE Hub) and Jim Wylie (Manpower Group) provided updates on technology-driven talent solutions and insights from the latest Talent Shortage Survey.
  • World Café Discussion:
    Participants engaged in a dynamic World Café session, rotating through discussion stations focused on:
    • Strengthening learning regions & industry collaboration
    • Engaging the Irish diaspora to address talent shortages
    • Adapting to an ageing workforce through lifelong learning

Next Steps:

Stakeholders will continue to explore collaborative solutions for talent retention and workforce development through upcoming regional initiatives and knowledge exchanges. Insights from this meeting will inform future TALENT4S3 activities, including study visits and further engagement with regional learning networks and industry partners.

The event concluded with a networking lunch, providing an opportunity for further discussion and partnership-building among stakeholders.