Caroline Shanahan
Executive, Technology Ireland
The acceleration of AI and digital investment is fundamentally rewiring global labour markets.1 The best bet against volatility is ensuring continued strategic investment in people.
Investing in skills and talent means committing to funding pathways and real-world training. This can be achieved by deploying the €2 billion surplus in the National Training Fund (NTF)2 to finance supply-side, non-inflationary upskilling – supporting enterprise AI and digital preparedness.
Addressing the gender imbalance in STEM
and supporting underrepresented groups must also remain a high priority
Expand AI skills training nationally
Rapidly expanding proven networks (eg., Skillnet Business Networks, Springboard+, micro-credentials/micro-qualifications, ‘Skills to Advance’) will be paramount to meeting industry demand and supporting workforce development. An AI skills fund can ensure foundational competencies are accessible to all graduates. Accredited micro-modules and iVET modules3 would also create greater opportunities in secondary schools.
Addressing the gender imbalance in STEM and supporting underrepresented groups must also remain a high priority. Enacting a national rollout of the STEM Passport for Inclusion and P-TECH programmes4 to more learners across the country will help address divides.
While Ireland’s lifelong learning participation rate is slightly above the EU average (+2%), more still needs to be done.5 Ireland is playing a key role through its Presidency of the Council of the EU, demonstrating that literacy and skills are inextricable elements of digital policy and a true Digital Single Market. Ireland must now match targets to action.
[1] Ibec budget 2027 submission, tinyurl.com/3xp295nt.
[2] The Fund, which is financed by a 1% levy on employers’ PRSI contributions, can play a key role in ensuring spending is matching the pace of contribution and demand.
[3] Iinitial Vocational Education and Training (iVET) modules are optional TY modules developed collaboratively by the NCCA, ETI and SOLAS. Their aim is to strengthen links between schools and further education training (FET)
[4] P-Tech (Pathways in Technology) is a model of education-industry collaboration designed to tackle education disadvantage. It combines second-level school education with aspects of third-level education, including work experiences, mentorships and internships.
[5] See SOLAS (2025), Lifelong learning amongst adults in Ireland. tinyurl.com/yc6d3fz3.
