Microsoft, FIT, RDI Hub target rural areas in artificial intelligence education effort
Companies across Munster are being tgiven the chance to upskill through a series of artificial intelligence (AI) Skill-Up-A-Thons assembled by Microsoft and delivered in partnership with RDI Hub and FIT (Fastrack into Information Technology) and with the support of local authorities, ETBs and the Connected Hubs network.
Learners will be given the opportunity to participate in a series of AI Skill-Up-A-Thons which are taking place in Cavan, Galway, Kilkenny, Mayo, and Tipperary with more locations to be announced in the coming months.
Masterclasses will be delivered both in-person and online from now until September.
Danielle Barr, director of training & employment services at Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT), said: “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. By rolling out the AI Skill-Up-A-Thons in Connected Hubs and other venues in rural Ireland, we can ensure that every person is given the opportunity to learn about AI and understand its importance.”
Speaking about her experience in taking part in the AI Skill-Up-A-Thon in north Mayo, Sandra Hennigan (pictured) said: “As well as gaining new insights into AI, I believe the knowledge and skills I gained during the AI Skill-Up-A-Thon will be very valuable in my own job and help to boost my productivity and creativity. The instructors were incredibly helpful and helped open my eyes to the possibilities of AI in my own daily life. 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.”
Liam Cronin, CEO, RDI Hub said: “The RDI hub has always had a powerful connection with the topic of artificial intelligence. The RDI hub building itself is named after and dedicated to Prof John McCarthy, as a tribute to the Stanford University computer scientist who was one of the founders of the discipline of artificial intelligence and his father was born in Cromane, near Killorglin in Co Kerry. From our very first year in business, we have run an annual two-day artificial intelligence summer school focusing on both core and applied research, and we are keen to continue this momentum. The collaboration with Microsoft helps us deliver exceptional AI masterclasses at scale across Munster and we look forward to continued growth and meaningful contributions to the AI landscape in 2024 and beyond.”
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