Partnerships between employers and workers are needed to find new approaches to training people in the workplace, according to the general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), Peter Cassells.

Speaking at a conference organised by Skillsnet under the theme "Partnership in Training and Lifelong Learning" and held at Dublin Castle, Cassells emphasised the importance of access to training for employees.

"In view of the number of employees who are engaged in part-time employment, atypical employment, flexible working time arrangements and shiftworking, it is essential that training and education providers adjust their delivery times to meet these various patterns and so ensure greater access for all employees."

Cassells said that a continued focus on training partnerships was an important part of achieving this.

Director general of IBEC Turlough O'Sullivan called for a greater investment by the State in "upskilling" the workforce. "Currently less than 5 per cent of the State's training budget is targeted at people in employment," he said.

"This position is not sustainable, particularly in the context of an Irish industrial policy that is focusing on developing high-skill, high value-added employment."