- Learners will benefit from a new generative AI course roadmap and collaborations with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) worldwide.
- Dublin City University (DCU) and Fast Track into Information Technology (FIT) are the first partners to lead the initiative in Ireland
To help close the global artificial intelligence (AI) skills gap, IBM have announced a commitment to train two million learners in AI by the end of 2026, with a focus on underrepresented communities. To achieve this goal at a global scale, IBM is expanding AI education collaborations with universities globally, collaborating with partners to deliver AI training to adult learners, and launching new generative AI coursework through IBM SkillsBuild. This will expand upon IBM’s existing programs and career-building platforms to offer enhanced access to AI education and in-demand technical roles.
According to a recent global study conducted by IBM Institute of Business Value, surveyed executives estimate that implementing AI and automation will require 40% of their workforce to reskill over the next three years, mostly those in entry-level positions. This further reinforces that generative AI is creating a demand for new roles and skills.
Deborah Threadgold, Country General Manager, IBM Ireland said: “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. 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. That’s why we are investing in AI training, with a commitment to reach two million learners in three years, and expanding IBM SkillsBuild to collaborate with universities and nonprofits on new generative AI education for learners all over the world.”
Peter Davitt, Chief Executive Officer of Fast Track into Information Technology (FIT) added: “During the past twelve months, FIT 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.”
AI training for universities
IBM is collaborating with universities at a global level to build capacity around AI leveraging IBM’s network of experts. University faculty will have access to IBM-led training such as lectures and immersive skilling experiences, including certificates upon completion. Also, IBM will provide courseware for faculty to use in the classroom, including self-directed AI learning paths. In addition to faculty training, IBM will offer students flexible and adaptable resources, including free, online courses on generative AI and Red Hat open source technologies.
Professor Theo Lynn, Full Professor of Digital Business, DCU commented: “Ireland is emerging as a significant player in AI worldwide and the government has set out ambitious goals for 75% of all enterprises to be using AI, cloud and big data by 2030. 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. By integrating IBM SkillsBuild into our modules, faculty and students have access to training, coursework, resources, and certification to ensure that they are ahead of the curve when it comes to the opportunities presented by AI, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity and Enterprise Design Thinking.”