Minister Collins joined three Skillnet Business Networks based in the south-west of Ireland today to launch a new learning hub – Eirelingo – designed to help Ukrainians in Ireland develop English language skills.  South Kerry Skillnet, Rural Food Skillnet and Duhallow Skillnet developed the learning hub to support Ukrainians with no or limited English to develop the language skills needed to work in sectors with a high demand for workers including construction, healthcare, hospitality, and retail.

The three Skillnet Business Networks identified the opportunity to address the skills gap, which would enable displaced people from Ukraine in the south-west to engage with state services and find work. Recent research carried out by the Networks highlighted the largest stumbling block to working in Ireland was English language proficiency, with 67% of the 500 respondents describing themselves as having poor or little English.

Addressing attendees at the launch in Tralee, Co. Kerry, Niall Collins, Minister of State with responsibility for Skills and Further Education at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, said: “From talking to displaced Ukrainians and our government agencies around the country, we see a clear need for English language skills. The launch of the new Skillnet ‘Eirelingo’ online English language learning hub will help displaced Ukrainians who wish to work here in Ireland in areas like construction, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. This collaborative initiative supported by three Skillnet Networks and companies based in the South West region provides an excellent support for the Ukrainian community in the region. It will be a great boost to the regional talent pool and will help companies grow in these sectors.”

Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks, Skillnet Ireland, added: “For Skillnet Ireland and our Skillnet Business Networks, helping people to develop the skills that employers need is at the heart of what we do. This new online learning hub from three Skillnet Business Networks will enable participants to develop and practice their language skills and avail of job opportunities in the south west. It’s a very positive development for the region and for Ukrainians who are seeking employment in Ireland.”

IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh said: “Duhallow Skillnet is delighted to be involved in delivering this new online learning hub. ‘Eirelingo’ is a free resource which will give learners a high-quality online learning experience remotely and support the learning of English language skills with bite-sized segments. The app was developed by a team with expert knowledge on the latest education research and a proven expertise in designing, developing and delivering learning resources. As a result, ‘Eirelingo’ will enable Ukrainians to set their own learning journeys, help them to develop their new language skills, integrate into local communities, and allow them to become a valuable part of our region’s business economy.” 

Noel Spillane, CEO of South Kerry Development Partnership, said: “I am delighted that South Kerry Skillnet, IRD Duhallow Skillnet & the Rural Food Skillnet have come together to develop this APP/platform for the Ukrainian Communities in our regions. The Kerry & Duhallow areas have seen a very significant influx of those fleeing war & persecution in Ukraine and SKDP, IRD Duhallow and NEWKD have been extremely proactive in supporting members of the Ukrainian Community to integrate into the Economic, Community & Social life of our areas. This initiative supported through our Skillnet Networks is further testament to the commitment of our companies to collaborate and work together to support the Ukrainian Communities in our region.”       

The Eirelingo learning hub is available at: www.eirelingo.ie or www.laskavoprosymo.ie.

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