Limerick jobseekers, employees and employers are being urged to recession proof themselves by developing new business skills as the economic downturn takes hold around the country.

Business training specialists Pitman Training are advising that business people in the mid-west region consider the great opportunity which sees FÁS part-funding four diploma courses in Limerick.

The 70 per cent FÁS funding for Executive PA, Legal and Medical Secretarial Diplomas and the 50 per cent FÁS funding for Keyboard Speed Development in Pitman Training’s Limerick City training centre provide a unique chance to hone crucial skills.

“People ask me what is recession proof? I answer skills,” Margaret Cox of Pitman Training explains.

“Up-skilling yourself or up-skilling your employees means you have more expertise that can be used more efficiently to enhance your particular career or your entire workforce.”

Ms Cox also explained the benefits to both an individual and a company.

“As an individual you are more multi-skilled and marketable in a competitive jobs market. As an employer, your business can be more capable of the flexibility needed to survive and thrive in tough times. In the current circumstances, more and more firms are looking at alternative strategies for increasing productivity while maintaining a low cost base”.

Ms Cox commented further that, “Productivity is the basis of business, and business skills that improve and ensure productivity never lose value.”

As a successful businesswoman herself, Ms Cox appreciates the importance of investing in a sustainable future for your company, even when times may be tighter.

“No business is really recession proof. Money is getting tight right across sectors. Uncertainty is growing. Making the decision to spend money now on getting the right skills where you need them can be crucial to positioning yourself for the best of the worst,” she added.

“That is why our courses offer great value. FÁS are part funding them, so employees, job seekers or employers can access our training courses."

“Up-skilling just means learning a new beneficial skill. You can up-skill yourself or a business can up-skill a whole range of employees. The common thread is improvement that makes a difference. That’s what Pitman Training provides.”

For further information on Pitman Training Courses go to http://www.supportingcareers.ie/exhibitors/overview/pitman-training