Microsoft backs AI skills training programme

Tech giant Microsoft is backing a new programme that will help to train people in the latest artificial intelligence technologies.

The initiative, which is part of the company’s Skill Up Ireland scheme, consists of three different programmes: an introductory course on AI that provides foundational knowledge on the new technology; a skills programme aimed at graduates and workers who want to advance digital and AI skills for use in the modern workplace; and the expansion of the Dream Space initiative to include the fundamentals of AI for children.

The introductory course is aimed at those with little to no knowledge of AI. Open to everyone over the age of 18 in Ireland, it will be delivered through a series of live sessions. A professional certificate can also be earned on completion of an exam at the end of the course.

Skills for Jobs, which is delivered in partnership with Fastrack into Information Technology and offers access to eight professional certificates, now includes a dedicated AI course that will help people improve their AI fluency, with a professional certificate in generative AI.

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James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland site leader and vice-president of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said AI had the potential to empower workers and people across the country, but everyone needed access to the skills to use it.

“We want to scale it up so as we learn through the initial rounds of this, we will continue to evolve it. This is about giving people that introduction,” he said. “Generative AI is, we believe, very similar to the big eras of technology that we’ve gone through, whether it’s personal PC, cloud or the internet. We can’t just wait for Government to be able to address the skill gaps in society, we believe industry has to step in here.”

The expansion of Dream Space comes as part of the €3 million investment announced by Microsoft last year that will see the innovation and education hub try to reach 1 million students and teachers across the country. The new content will include how AI can be applied to every day life, and challenges it faces such as ethical and responsible AI. Dream Space is also creating a new series of Dream Space TV lessons on AI literacy, with certificates issued to students who complete the lesson series.

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary welcomed the new AI skills programme.

“The use and deployment of AI can bring with it huge benefits and efficiencies for society and the economy, but if we are to seize those opportunities, we must be prepared for them and a key part of that is education and upskilling,” he said.

“This Government recognises how critical it is for Government, industry and the education sector to work closely together to rapidly expand access to digital and AI skills,” he said. “By encouraging a lifelong learning approach to AI skilling, we can realise the ambition of our National AI Strategy and work towards achieving our goal of 75 per cent of businesses using AI by 2030.”