Funded by member companies and the Department of Education and Skills, Irish Franchising Skillnet was launched in 2008 to provide training for people involved in the franchise sector in Ireland. It recognises that the franchise industry is continuing to grow in this country, and it offers informative short-term training programmes and workshops accordingly.
One of these is 'Introduction to Franchising', due to take place in Central Hotel on Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, from 9:30am to 5pm on 4 November. The workshop will be presented by experts David Killeen (Chairman of the Irish Franchise Association) and John Green (master franchisor for Chem-Dry Ireland, currently overseeing 47 franchisees across the country).
Programme content will explain how to recognise a decent franchise when it's on offer; and how a new franchisee can become a successful one. Topics to be covered include:
The key elements of a good franchise programme.
- Conformity – brand and systems.
- The franchisee/franchisor relationship.
- Personal suitability checklist for franchisees.
- Investigating suitable franchise options.
Happily, jobseekers can attend the workshop free of charge. If you are unemployed, click here to find out if you match Skillnet's definition of 'jobseeker'. For everyone else, the workshop is €150 for the day. Places are limited and selling out, so secure your seat by calling Siobhan O’Callaghan on 01 2911963/087 9155842, or email training@irishfranchisingskillnet.com.
At the last count there were over 4,000 franchise units operating in Ireland, in a wide range of sectors including business, food, retail, and internet. Irish Franchising Skillnet aims to keep this number growing by training potential and current franchisees, by helping potential franchisors launch their franchise, and by giving all members of the industry a chance to network and learn from each other. Contact Skillnet if you think you could learn too.