National Training Fund ‘sitting on €2bn in funds available for small enterprises’

Adam Weatherly of ISME speaking at Travel Centres 2025 conference in Lawlor’s Hotel, Naas

Adam Weatherly of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association has told the Travel Centres 2025 conference in Naas that the National Training Fund holds 2 billion euro from employer contributions. The fund grows at 40 percent year-on-year since the pandemic. Money funds university solar panels instead of workplace skills. No representatives from the Department of Education or Revenue attend events. The association provides virtual and physical courses. Members access weekly training sessions.

He highlighted support for members through training programmes. The association runs a learning development site. Travel Centres belongs to the group. Businesses pay into the National Training Fund’s PRSI contributions each month.

The association sponsors conference elements including rooms and food. It plans to increase funding for Travel Centres next year. Staff training covers any topic on request. The speaker urged businesses to reclaim funds through programmes.

Key takeaways include the misdirection of the National Training Fund away from business skills. Employers fund the 2 billion euro pot via PRSI. Growth reaches 40 percent annually. The association offers direct training to counter the issue.

The presentation ended with a call to contact the association for staff development needs.

Adam Weatherly shared “It’s currently 2 billion euros in service. They won’t give it to us and keep sitting on $2 billion quid”