Skilling up rural Ireland for the era of AI

The rollout of AI Skill-Up-AThons to rural communities across the country and AI masterclasses for businesses in the Kerry region were announced on Wednesday. The rural skilling initiatives are a key part of Microsoft’s ambition to ‘Skill Up Ireland’ providing every person in the country with the opportunity to skill up for the era of AI.

The AI Skill-Up-A-Thons are designed to help equip those with little or no understanding of AI with the basic knowledge, skills and competencies in AI. Those who complete the free, 4-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.

Set to be delivered in partnership with FIT (Fastrack into Information

Technology) and with the support of local authorities, ETBs and the large network of Connected Hubs throughout the country, a series of AI Skill-Up-AThons will take place in Co Tipperary in March, April and May of this year. Other locations will be announced in the coming months.

The first AI Skill-Up-A-Thon was held at the Connected Hub in Knockmore in north Mayo, where Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, joined learners as they developed the practical and transversal skills necessary to thrive in an AI age and secured their Generative AI certification.

To learn more about the AI SkillUp-A-Thons taking place in Co Tipperary and to register your interest, visit: https://fit.ie/skillsforjobslearningpathways/