FIT unveils plan to upskill 400,000 people in AI by 2030

Fastrack into Information (FIT), a non-profit representative organization for the technology sector, has unveiled an ambitious plan to upskill 400,000 individuals in AI capabilities by 2030. The initiative, spearheaded by FIT's AI Training Centre of Excellence, aims to bridge the growing AI skills gap across Ireland by providing learners with education, training, and certification opportunities through a network of technology, industry, and education partners.

The AI Training Centre of Excellence will assess participants' current abilities, offer guidance, and map individuals to learning pathways aligned with their interests and career aspirations. With roughly 2.9 million people comprising Ireland's workforce, equipping 400,000 individuals with high-value AI skills is a significant step towards preparing the nation for the future of work.

Peter Davitt, FIT's CEO, emphasized the transformative impact of AI on the workforce and stressed the importance of ensuring access to AI skills is not limited by background, education, employment status, or geography. The goal is to foster an inclusive approach to workforce transformation that benefits individuals, employers, and the broader Irish economy.

IBM Ireland's general manager, Nathan Cullen, highlighted the importance of investing in people alongside technology, stating that a workforce equipped with AI skills will be crucial for Ireland's competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth. By partnering with FIT, IBM SkillsBuild is making AI learning resources available to FIT's learners, enabling more people to access practical AI learning opportunities and support FIT's objective of developing the AI skills needed by the Irish workforce for the future.

Earlier this year, Forrester's research underscored the risks of inadequate long-term and inclusive AI education, which can widen the AI skills gap and negatively impact organizations. Accenture's Generating Impact report further highlighted that AI is still in its infancy when it comes to workplace proliferation and change, indicating that AI-related skills are among the fastest-growing in demand from employers and organizations.