Over 5,400 Galway people upskilled last year

GALWAY’S agriculture sector was on top of the list of companies who chose to upskill their employees in 2025.

This is according to the annual report published by Skillnet Ireland, a national talent development agency working to support businesses around the country.

The report reveals that the agency delivered over 51,700 training days in Galway throughout last year, upskilling over 5,400 people working for 1,400 businesses in Galway.

More than half (52 pc) of those who undertook the training were women while workers between the age of 30 to 39 years availed of the upskilling supports the most.

The majority of companies in Galway that upskilled their employees with Skillnet Ireland in 2025 were small and medium size enterprises with the greatest uptake coming from the agriculture sector, followed by services, technology, food and drink, health, retail and legal.

“The engagement of more than 23,000 businesses (nationally) in Skillnet Ireland programmes during the year demonstrates a clear recognition that skills development is essential to driving productivity, growth and competitiveness,” said James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

“As our economy continues to evolve, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development is more important than ever,” he added.