This important lunchtime event took place on Thursday, April 25^th, in Scotch Hall, to raise awareness and provide those who attended with information, advice, and guidance on the digital world, regardless of where they are on their digital journey. Various digital companies were present to share their knowledge, expertise and the event offered a unique opportunity to connect with local and national leaders in the digital field, in an informal setting. The Q&A session hosted by experienced business strategist, Miram Swith with a distinguished panel of experts who offered guidance and practical help on setting up and developing an online presence. M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet manager, Joe Lynch, told the audience about the role that can be played by the the network around training and developing key skills within the business to manage the digital transformation processes.

Some of the participating companies and organisations who attended the event were The Mill, Louth LEO and several experts in cyber security and online payments.

We were delighted to also welcome local SMEs, start ups and scale ups, entrepreneurs, chamber member companies in business in Drogheda and across the North East.

The focus of the event was around recent research conducted by Dublin City University across 26 Irish towns in 2023 showed that almost 50% of businesses within a 2km radius of the towns do not have any online presence. M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet and the Drogheda Chamber are keen to work with the firms that may have difficulties when it comes to their digital footprint.

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Empowering Futures: M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet and Generation Ireland Celebrate Graduation Event for AWS re/Start Graduates

Dublin, Ireland – April 4, 2024 – Generation Ireland and M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet proudly announced the successful culmination of their graduation event for graduates of AWS re/Start, a cohort-based workforce development training programme that prepares individuals for careers in the cloud and connects them to potential employers. The programme is free to the learner and is focused on helping unemployed or underemployed individuals launching a new career. The graduation event, which was held at the AWS offices in Dublin, showcased the remarkable achievements of learners who have overcome barriers to employment through intensive job-specific training and mentorship support.

This milestone marks the second collaboration between Generation and M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet. Funded by M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet under the Skills Connect programme, AWS re/Start has empowered over 30 individuals, offering them training in high-demand AWS cloud skills as well as professional skills training like CV and interview coaching to prepare them for employer meetings and job interviews.

Selected from the Louth, Meath, and wider Leinster area, the trainees represent a diverse cohort poised to make significant contributions to the tech industry and beyond.

Notable speakers at the event included Mark Finlay, Head of AWS Public Sector Ireland, award winning journalist and broadcaster Ken Murray, representatives from Marsh McLennan, and inspiring narratives from AWS re/Start alumni Deepika Anand and Tabasum Kouser, who have successfully established thriving careers in the tech industry in Ireland.The event underscored the significance of this collaborative effort in addressing employment challenges and fostering digital skills development in the region.

Speaking ahead of the event Minister Thomas Byrne TD, said: “I want to congratulate the graduates of the AWS re/Start programme on what they have achieved and wish them every success for the future. The valuable collaboration taking place between Generation, M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet, and AWS is to be commended and it is clearly paying dividends for many people in the North East region. By investing in upskilling, we are investing in the future, so I greatly welcome initiatives like AWS re/Start being made available to people in Louth and Meath.”

Joe Lynch, Manager at M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet, welcomed the strategic partnership with Generation Ireland as a catalyst for revolutionising the education-to-employment journey. He commended Generation’s proven methodology in offering pathways to those seeking employment opportunities or skill enhancement, highlighting its tangible benefits for both employers and participants alike.

Ronan Harbison, Executive Director for Generation Ireland, expressed his gratitude for the support from M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet, emphasizing the transformative impact of the partnership on the lives of participants. He reiterated the commitment to continued collaboration, ensuring that graduates secure meaningful employment opportunities and contribute to bridging the skills gap in the Irish economy.

Neil Morris, Country Lead at AWS in Ireland added: “AWS is committed to enabling career paths in the next generation of the internet economy, and providing people with access to technical skills and qualifications that allow them to reach their full potential is a key part of our approach. We are proud to honour graduates who have completed the recent AWS re/Start programme in collaboration with M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet and Generation Ireland, and we would like to congratulate them on their achievements. Throughout the programme, we supported participants through AWS Cloud skills training and practical career skills and mentoring which will be key to them applying for varied entry level roles in the cloud industry. I offer my sincere congratulations and wish all the graduates the very best on the next stage of their career journeys.”

As Generation Ireland and M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet continue their collaborative efforts, the graduation event stands as a testament to their shared commitment to empowering individuals, driving economic growth, and fostering a more inclusive society.

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