For Business
/ Working With Local Businesses
Supporting Local Business Growth Through Skills
Donegal College works with local businesses of all sizes and sectors to provide upskilling, training, and workforce development opportunities.
We offer fully funded, certified courses and custom training tailored to your company, helping both employers and employees develop practical skills in high demand.
Tailored Supports for Local Employers
Training can be an effective way to recruit and attract talent, as well as retain staff.
Fully Funded Certified Upskilling
Fully funded courses to upskill or reskill you or your workforce. ILM, City & Guilds, and industry-specific awards.
Customised Training
We can design and deliver courses specifically for your team, based on your requirements and goals.
Training Needs Analysis
Arrange a collaborative review of your business needs to identify skills gaps and tailor suitable training solutions.
Work Placements
We connect students with local employers through meaningful placement opportunities that benefit both the employer and the learner.
Apprenticeship
Become an apprenticeship employer to recruit and develop your talent pipeline. Grow your business with talented, loyal employees.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Employees can gain formal recognition for skills learned on the job, reducing time and training costs.
Businesses We Support
We work with organisations across sectors and sizes, offering practical solutions to develop staff skills and meet business goals.
Startups and Entrepreneurs
Support to develop foundational skills, access training options, and grow with confidence.
Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises
Whether a one-person business, partnership or smaller company we provide tailored upskilling and workforce training to help your business stay competitive.
Locally Based Large Businesses
Collaborative and bespoke training and placement options to meet large-scale operational needs.
Stakeholder Engagement
Support skills development in Donegal through close collaboration with local industry networks.
To find out more about investing in the upskilling of your workforce, please contact our Enterprise Engagement Team:
How We've Helped Local Businesses
“The Digital Business Skills course gave me the confidence to really embrace the online world. Maggie’s Tavern is well-loved by the locals, but I wanted to find a way to reach new customers, especially tourists visiting Donegal. The Building Digital Skills course helped me understand social media platforms better, and now we’re more active online, showcasing what makes Maggie’s Tavern unique. It’s also taught me how to manage online feedback and engage with our customers in a more
personal way.
Staying connected with our customers online, is more important than ever. The course made it easier for me to understand how to use digital tools to keep the pub running smoothly and attract new customers for the business.”
Alice Lynch
“I found the modules and a lot of the content related to my day-to-day role, the company, and our mission. I feel it will definitely benefit me when I move into a management or leadership position, even engaging with stakeholders and presenting to senior leadership. One thing that pleasantly surprised me was that during the course it was really easy to get feedback and constructive criticism from not only the facilitator but from other people in the course. I was doing the course with people from both Optum and different companies; working with that cohort meant that we were able to get loads of different points of view, opinions, and perspectives which I found invaluable. The number one thing for me was that the schedule worked really well and it was flexible, which made it easier for me to manage and plan my time. The facilitator was brilliant. I definitely would consider Donegal College when looking for courses and training in the future.”
Charlotte Madden Clark
“My experience with the training provided by Donegal College was excellent. Unlike many theory-based courses, this programme offered real-world applications, making it easier to understand and implement the concepts in our retail environment. The importance of evaluation and feedback in the work-based learning process made me understand the importance and value of evaluation processes within our own organisation. The peer learning aspect was also a pleasant surprise. Being in a room with colleagues from various roles within the industry, we shared our experiences and perspectives, all working towards a common goal. The tutor, Oran Doherty, demonstrated a deep understanding of our industry’s needs and future perspectives. I would definitely seek future training opportunities with Donegal College and I’ve already recommended this training to several of my colleagues in our organisation.”
Aaron Wynne
Working With Local Businesses FAQs
Can courses be customised to my specific business needs?
Yes. We offer a Training Needs Analysis to identify your company’s goals and skills gaps and deliver customised training solutions.
Is there funding available for employer training?
Many of our training courses are fully funded, especially those delivered through Skills to Advance and Skills For Work.
Can my staff get recognition for skills they already have?
Yes. Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), employees can gain formal qualifications based on their existing experience and skills.
Do you work with local employers?
Absolutely. We collaborate with businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, to support workforce development across the region.
How do I hire apprentices for my business?
To hire apprentices in Ireland, your business must first become an approved apprenticeship employer. To find out more, visit this page or contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie