TU Dublin Partnership Powers First Graduates of Strategic Talent Development Programme

Published: 11 Apr, 2025

A group pf people standing in front of a large banner that says Graduate Business School — L - R: Dr Claire McBride, Head of TU Dublin Enterprise Academy; Dr Eoin Langan, Dean, Faculty of Business, TU Dublin; Helen Burke, Head of Digitalisation, IDA Ireland; Mark Jordan, CEO, Skillnet Ireland and Dr Colin Hughes, Head of TU Dublin Graduate Business School.

TU Dublin is proud to celebrate the graduation of the first cohort to achieve the Certificate in Strategic Talent Development, a ground-breaking initiative developed by Skillnet Ireland and IDA Ireland and accredited by the University.

The graduation on Friday, 04 April, in the University's Aungier Street Campus marked a key milestone in a collaborative programme designed to empower industry professionals with strategic skills to build and implement effective talent development plans. Accredited by TU Dublin’s Graduate Business School, the Level 9 micro-credential (5 ECTS) forms a vital part of the University's commitment to future-focused, impactful learning.

Since its launch in 2021, the Strategic Talent Development Programme has brought together 50 companies and 77 professionals, reflecting the growing demand for high-quality, strategic upskilling. The qualification is already making a meaningful impact on talent pipelines across sectors, preparing businesses to meet future skills demands.

Speaking at the graduation, Dr Colin Hughes, Head of the Graduate Business School at TU Dublin, said:

“Strategic talent development is vital for businesses to remain resilient and adaptable in today’s fast-changing economy. This programme, an important part of our wider executive education portfolio, sets a benchmark for targeted upskilling, delivering high-impact learning that enhances capacity while offering formal recognition of skills and expertise.”

Mark Jordan, CEO, Skillnet Ireland, emphasised the programme’s impact, saying: “This programme is a major step forward in equipping businesses with the strategic talent management skills they need for long-term success. A strong talent development strategy creates a pipeline of talent, with the right skills which contributes to increasing competitiveness for businesses. Through our partnership with IDA Ireland and accreditation from TU Dublin, both companies and learners participate within an environment where they can receive top-tier expertise and recognition. Through initiatives like the Strategic Talent Development Programme, we are not only shaping individual careers but also strengthening the broader ecosystem that drives innovation, competitiveness, and growth.”

Breda O’Toole, Head of Talent Development and Digitalisation at IDA Ireland, said: “We are immensely proud to celebrate the achievements of our first cohort of graduates. This initiative has been instrumental in helping IDA Ireland client companies develop their workforce strategically, supporting them to be prepared for future skills demands. The knowledge and tools gained through this programme will have a lasting impact on both individuals and businesses.”