Government of Ireland
Regional Skills

We've moved to gov.ie/regionalskills

Please update your bookmarks and links

Who We Are & What We Do

Midlands Regional Skills Forum Members

 

Mr John Mc Kenna  MRSF Chair & Vice President for Strategic Planning, Institutional Performance, Equality and Diversity at TÚS:MMW

Mr Ken Whitelaw  Regional Manager at International Development Association (IDA) Ireland

Ms Antonine Healy  Director of Further Education & Training (FET) at Longford Westmeath Education & Training Board (LWETB)

Mr Tony Dalton  Director of Further Education & Training (FET) at Laois Offaly Education & Training Board (LOETB)

Mr Mark Atterbury  Regional Development Executive at Enterprise Ireland (EI), Midlands Office

Mr Ciaran King  Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Representative for the Midlands

Ms Anne Naughton  Projects Coordinator Graduate Studies, Research & Innovation at Skills For Growth

Ms Catherine Collins  Network Manager at First Polymer Skillsnet

Ms Tracey Tallon  Senior Enterprise Development Officer at Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Westmeath

Mr Paddy Mahon  Chief Executive at Longford County Council

Ms Helen Leahy  Head of Regional Policy at Irish Business and Employers Confederation (Ibec)

Dr Michael Tobin  Dean of Faculty Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning at TÚS:MMW

Ms Sarah Morgan  Programme Manager for Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan 

Mr John Costello  Manager of Midlands Regional Skills Forum

Ms Avril Browne  Human Resources & Training Officer at Glanbia Cheese EU, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Ms Elma Ravenhill  Finance and Human Resources Manager at Critical Healthcare, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

What We Do

 

The RSFM has established a strong knowledge of critical vacancies and key skills that are required from companies across the Midlands.  This information influences course creation in key areas, creating a pipeline of talent in the every changing world of work.

Success to date includes:

  • Upskilling older workers in the area of basic IT skills through the EXPLORE Programme.
  • Developing and implementing a Welding Apprenticeship Programme with the Midlands ENGENUITY cluster.
  • Contributing research, providing supportive documentation, and conducting surveys & skills audits for:
    • The Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing cluster.
    • Midlands Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan 2021-2024.
    • MidlandsIreland.ie Regional Food & Drink Strategy 2021-2024.
    • Springboard+ Programme at TÚS:MMW.
    • TY Engineering Working Group - PRIME.

Midlands Regional Skills Forum manager John Costello also chairs the Midlands regional Just Transition Group.

 General Objectives of MRSF

  • Provide a cohesive structure for employers and the further and higher education system to work together in building the skills needs of the region
  • Help employers better understand and access the full range of services available across the education and training system
  • Enhance links between education and training providers in planning and delivering programmes, reduce duplication and inform national funding decisions
  • Facilitate the involvement of enterprise stakeholders in a collaborative framework with education and training partners in the identification, development and delivery of skills development responses
  • Actively promote the activities and achievements of the Regional Skills Forum

Who We Work With