WHEN MICROCREDENTIALS FOLD INTO industry-standard recognition for prior learning they help identify skill sets that companies need. I work with mid-career professionals while delivering several short courses related to digital transformation, data visualisation, and artificial intelligence. The Millennials taking these courses can’t carve out two years to finish a Master’s Degree. But they have the time and focus needed to complete 12-15 weeks of blended education. It’s up to me to ensure they can gain particular skills quickly and flexibly.
A wide cross-section of Irish industry, including Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, has identified the transversal and technical skills that are most in demand by businesses of all size in Ireland.
As new companies set up operations, they need to believe there is talent in the pipeline that can respond to both sector-specific needs and broader trends. I’ve developed instruction that addresses the ethical and sustainable integration of artificial intelligence to support outcomes-oriented business processes. The message this sends to FDI clients is that Ireland is not only investing in infrastructure but also in the skills and capabilities of its people.
I need to figure out a way to channel the HCI Microcredential Learner Fee Subsidy into the programme I teach. As I approach the summer of 2025, I plan to present a plan to my Academic Council that should offer a way to connect a 15 ECTS module in Action Research to a syllabus that trains students in automated AI processes. The skill set that students will learn is crucial for leveraging the economic opportunities presented by advances in the use of Microsoft Copilot and other enterprise services that support effective digital transformation.