Gillian Audet
Executive, Technology Ireland
As the workplace transforms at speed, upskilling and reskilling are vital to survival and success. Technology, shifting global trends and economic uncertainty are disrupting industries at a scale never seen before.
Despite mounting evidence of the urgent need for action, Ireland continues to fall short in preparing its workforce for what lies ahead.
Why digital literacy is critical
According to the OECD, one in three jobs in Ireland is at high risk of automation. Nearly half of Irish workers will need some form of upskilling within five years. Yet, participation in lifelong learning remains below the EU average, and many adults lack even basic digital competencies. This is not a future problem; it is today’s problem.
Long before workers reach the job market, we need to ensure our education system is laying the foundation for a digitally literate, critically thinking generation. This means embedding problem-solving, adaptability and information evaluation into curricula — not just preparing students to pass exams but preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing labour market.
A modern, resilient workforce
must include everyone.
Inclusive upskilling and reskilling
We need to equip young people to challenge assumptions, navigate complex digital environments and learn continuously throughout their careers. Alongside this, we must invest in community-based digital education, tailored to older adults, rural populations and marginalised groups. A modern, resilient workforce must include everyone.
Technology can also be our biggest asset in solving this challenge. AI-powered training tools, adaptive learning platforms and virtual simulations are already transforming how people acquire new skills. These tools offer a scalable, efficient and responsive way to support learning — if we choose to invest in them.
Supporting national lifelong learning
The National Training Fund (NTF), established to support upskilling, reskilling and lifelong learning, now sits at over €1.5 billion. It is funded directly by a levy on employers. By drawing funding directly from employer PRSI contributions, the NTF is not only fully funded but also maintains a crucial link between wage growth and productivity.
The very resource that could help address the challenges of our time is available to us. That money must be deployed — urgently and strategically.
