Calleary welcomes Microsoft’s AI masterclass for rural communities

Minister Dara Calleary joined Microsoft at the Connected Hub in Knockmore as they announced the rollout of AI Skill-Up-A-Thons and AI masterclasses to rural communities and businesses.

The rural training initiatives are a key part of Microsoft’s ambition to ‘Skill Up Ireland’ and provide every person in the country with the opportunity to skill up for the era of AI.

The Minister welcomed the announcement by Microsoft, and said it is ‘providing new AI upskilling and reskilling opportunities in communities across rural Ireland, including here in Mayo’.

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

The AI Skill-Up-A-Thons will be rolled out nationwide and are designed to help equip those with little or no understanding of AI, with the basic knowledge, skills, and competencies in AI. 

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

James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Vice-President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, explained how ‘AI has the potential to empower people and organisations across the country, but it’s critical that everyone, everywhere has the skills to harness its benefits’. 

Last October, Microsoft launched a national AI skilling programme to help give everyone the opportunity to upskill and reskill. 

_{National Technology Officer, Microsoft Ireland, Kieran McCorry, ; Sandra Hennigan; Minister Dara Calleary; and Oleksandr Krasnozhenov (Sasha)}

“One of our key ambitions as part of the programme is to bring AI skilling directly to people, communities and businesses in rural Ireland and ensure they are given equal opportunity to engage in AI” added Mr O’Connor.

Developed in collaboration with the RDI Hub, the AI masterclasses will be delivered both in-person and online from now until September.

“It is only by working together across Government, industry, and the education sector that we can demystify AI and ensure Ireland’s workforce has the AI skills that will be needed now and into the future” he said. 

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.

AI Skill-Up-A-Thons are being 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 Ireland.

Danielle Barr, Director of Training & Employment Services at Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT), said they are ‘delighted’ to be working with their ‘long-term partner’, Microsoft, on the delivery of AI Skill-Up-A-Thons. 

“AI is such a powerful tool. But we need to ensure that every person, at all levels, can access and most importantly understand how it can benefit their education and professional journey." 

She continued to say that the rollout will ‘ensure that every person is given the opportunity to learn about AI and understand its importance’.

Speaking about her experience in the north Mayo AI Skill-Up-A-Thon, Sandra Hennigan said as well as ‘gaining new insights into AI’, she believes the knowledge and skills she gained will boost ‘productivity and creativity’ in her job.

“I now feel like I have the confidence to start applying AI tools in my work and I would encourage everyone to use the opportunity to begin developing their AI skills today,” she concluded.

To learn more about the AI Skill-Up-A-Thons taking place across the country and to register your interest, see the FIT website.