The goal of the rural upskilling programmes is to assist in providing individuals with the fundamental knowledge, abilities, and competences in artificial intelligence.

In addition to receiving access to LinkedIn Premium, which may assist individuals aspiring to pursue careers in artificial intelligence, participants in the free, four-hour course will get an industry-recognized Career Essentials Certificate in Generative AI.

In the upcoming weeks, the courses will be held in counties like as Cavan, Galway, Kilkenny, Mayo, and Tipperary; further places will be disclosed in the months to come.

Minister Dara Calleary, who oversees trade promotion, digital policy, and company regulation, paid a visit to the inaugural “AI Skill-Up-A-Thon,” which took place at the Connected Hub in Knockmore, County Mayo.

“AI tools and technology have significant potential to transform how we work and do business,” said Calleary.

“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 stated.

The country's vast network of Connected Hubs, local government agencies, education and training boards, and Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT) are all supporting the delivery of the AI courses.

“We aim to equip individuals of all ages, experiences, and backgrounds with the know-how to thrive in an AI-enabled economy through these new AI learning pathways,” stated James O'Connor, Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, and Microsoft Ireland Site Leader.

“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,” added Mr. O'Connor.