Private sector companies are being encouraged to apply to a new training fund, announced by Skillnets, the national training and upskilling body. The €500,000 fund is open for applications until 30th April, 2013.

Groups of companies must join together to form a network to apply for funding. Groups can be formed on a geographical or sectoral basis, once member companies have identified common training needs amongst their employees.

Networks hoping to receive funding under the new round must complete an online registration form by 31st March before then submitting a complete application by the 30th April deadline.

To date, Skillnets has facilitated over 60,000 Irish enterprises to upskill over 275,000 employees. In addition, the organisation has trained over 9,000 job-seekers since 2010.

Successful applicants will be required to provide matched funding of at least 50 per cent of all costs associated with training delivery.