Jessica Mullen
Professional Learming and Development Manager. Education and Training Boards Ireland
Dr Joseph Collins
Director of Further Education and Training, Education and Training Boards Ireland
Mary Walsh O’Shea
Adult Education Officer, Waterford and Wexford ETB
As AI integration reshapes the Irish workforce at pace, lifelong learning is the anchor keeping people adaptable, employable and confident to manage technological advancement.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become deeply integrated into nearly all aspects of everyday life, reshaping industry sectors, from healthcare, finance and education. While AI can drive technological innovation and enhance workforce productivity, people need to be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to utilise it effectively, efficiently and ethically.
Why lifelong learning matters in an AI-driven world
“Lifelong learning is no longer optional, but essential,” says Dr Joseph Collins, Director of Further Education and Training at ETBI. “AI is accelerating change across every sector, and roles are evolving faster than traditional education can keep up. To stay future-ready, every learner and organisation needs ongoing opportunities to reskill, upskill and build confidence in using emerging technologies.”
Flexible AI upskilling across Ireland
Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), the national representative body for Ireland’s 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs), is supporting each region to be agile and fully equipped to upskill workers as rapidly as technologies evolve, in close collaboration with state agency SOLAS. ETBI is committed to excellence in education, training and support, with individual ETBs serving as the driving force for local community development.
“ETBs are the bridge between education and employment, providing practical, industry-aligned training that ensures every learner can participate effectively within the economy,” says Collins. “AI is a huge priority, with each of the 16 ETBs providing practical pathways at every level, from first-step digital confidence to advanced technical training.”
Courses designed to cover digital competency and AI literacy are regularly updated to remain relevant as the technological landscape evolves. Learners can access flexible online, hybrid or in-person training on sector-specific AI applications.
“Whether it’s AI literacy, prompt engineering, data skills or sector-specific applications, ETBs are responding quickly with flexible, accessible programmes,” says Jessica Mullen, FET Professional Learning & Development Hub Manager. “We cater to a diverse range of students, and providing courses that are accessible is extremely important.”
Network collaboration driving development
Collaboration is a fundamental component of Ireland’s Further Education and Training (FET) network. Course leaders work with industry experts and each ETB is closely connected to the evolving needs of their region. Programmes are developed with industry partners and aligned with government goals.
“Each ETB’s educational offering reflects the needs of its region and is aligned to the national further education and training strategy,” says Mary Walsh O’Shea, Adult Education Officer at Waterford and Wexford ETB. “What’s really incredible is how everyone works together. Innovation developed in one ETB quickly inspires progress across the whole network, so when someone develops something new, everyone benefits.”
AI is accelerating change across every sector, and roles are evolving faster than traditional education can keep up.
Immersive technology
AI is also being utilised as a tool to expand and enhance lifelong learning opportunities. The SOLAS Innovation through Collaboration Fund has supported the development of a new immersive learning platform integrating AI into Healthcare training leveraging an XR platform to develop and enhance transversal skills.
“This project enables multiple ETBs to utilise technology which allows us to move beyond information delivery to true experience-based understanding. “It enhances the whole network’s ability to deliver education, modernising practical training and guides our learners in a way that is engaging and future-focused. Employers then benefit from the immediate application of new skills.”
Every ETB is accessible to local learners and businesses, offering tailored courses in AI and digital skills. From immersive technology and micro-qualifications to programmes specifically designed to meet the needs of local business, ETBs provide flexible, practical learning for the future needs of the Irish AI-driven economy.
