Microsoft has announced the rollout of ‘AI Skill-Up-A-Thons’ in rural communities across the country and AI masterclasses for businesses in the Kerry region.
The rural upskilling initiatives are designed to help equip people with the basic knowledge, skills and competencies in artificial intelligence.
Those who complete the free, four-hour course will earn an industry-recognised Career Essentials Certificate in Generative AI and gain access to LinkedIn Premium to help support those looking to develop a career in AI.
The courses will be taking place in counties including Cavan, Galway, Kilkenny, Mayo, and Tipperary in the coming weeks with other locations to be announced in the coming months.
The first ‘AI Skill-Up-A-Thon’ was held at the Connected Hub in Knockmore in Co Mayo and was visited by Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary.
“AI tools and technology have significant potential to transform how we work and do business,” Mr Calleary said.
“But to fully unlock their benefits and meet the ambition of our National AI Strategy, individuals and businesses must start to develop in-demand AI skills and capabilities,” he added.
The AI courses are being delivered in partnership with Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT) and with the support of local authorities, education and training boards and the large network of Connected Hubs throughout the country.
“Through these new AI learning pathways, we want to empower people of all ages, backgrounds and experience with the skills and knowledge to succeed in an AI-enabled economy,” said James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Vice President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre.
“Our new AI masterclasses, in collaboration with the RDI Hub in Kerry, will also help businesses develop the tools and skills to adopt AI at speed and support growth into the future,” Mr O’Connor said.
