Microsoft has unveiled a new programme focusing on Ireland’s rural communities, with the aim of enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) skills. In collaboration with FIT, this initiative forms a part of Microsoft’s wider mission to ensure that everybody in Ireland has a basic understanding and capabilities of AI. This four-hour course, available for free, is just one part of their efforts.
In addition, the technology leader has joined forces with the RDI Hub in Kerry to offer comprehensive AI masterclasses for businesses in both online and offline formats. Liam Cronin, the CEO of the hub, mentioned that this partnership would assist in delivering quality AI masterclasses at a broader scale throughout Munster.
This recent initiative dovetails with a larger scheme that Microsoft commenced last year, designed to ready Ireland’s workforce for incoming technological advancements.
James O’Connor, the Vice-President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre and Site Leader for Microsoft Ireland, expressed how vital it was for everyone to acquire the skills necessary to fully benefit from the potential of AI. This latest suite of AI learning pathways aims to endow individuals from various backgrounds and ages with the aptitude and knowledge to thrive in an AI-centric economy. The new AI masterclasses, carried out in partnership with the RDI Hub in Kerry, are also designed to assist businesses in rapidly adopting AI and fostering future growth.
Dara Calleary, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, expressed his endorsement of the initiative at the launch. According to him, AI tools hold the potential to bring about a significant transformation in the way we work and conduct business. However, to fully capitalise on these benefits, and meet the objectives of our National AI Strategy, it was crucial to start working on developing sought-after AI skills, he added.