IBM has announced a collaboration with Dublin City University (DCU) and Fast Track into Information Technology (FIT) to deliver training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to adult learners.
IBM is expanding its AI education collaborations around the world as part of plans to train two million learners in AI by the end of 2026, with a focus on underrepresented communities.
The AI courses are free and upon completion, participants will be able to receive IBM-branded digital credentials.
"As Ireland's National AI Strategy recognises, providing workers with the right skills for AI jobs must go hand-in-hand with a much wider skills agenda, to ensure that everyone in society can benefit from the digital transformation that AI will bring," said Country General Manager, IBM Ireland, Deborah Threadgold,
"This should include a wide range of AI and digital courses across secondary, further and higher education, and raising the level of digital skills amongst the general public," Ms Threadgold said.
As part of the initiative, universities will have access to IBM-led training tools including lectures and immersive skilling experiences.
"We are delighted to be the first university in Ireland to incorporate the IBM SkillsBuild generative AI learning and teaching resources into our business analytics modules for this academic year and extend our use of IBM SkillsBuild in postgraduate business analytics programmes," said Professor Theo Lynn, Full Professor of Digital Business, DCU.
FIT Chief Executive Peter Davitt said that over the past 12 months, it has seen Ireland's education system and business community interface with generative AI solutions, posing some challenges and promising future growth.
"FIT looks forward to complimenting the Tech Apprenticeships and broader provision with IBM AI course content," Mr Davitt said.
