Minister Eamon Ryan TD will today officially unveil a new community led Digital Training Academy for the Docklands area to support ongoing digital skills training for the community with a particular focus on promoting AI skills.
The new academy has been funded by a Google.org grant and has been developed by This City Works, a partnership between Dublin city-based community employment services and Google Ireland, helping job seekers in Dublin find the right employment opportunities. As part of the Digital Academy, Google will also provide funding to support 500 AI Essentials Certificates for the community.
The AI Essentials Certificate is an online self-paced course designed to help people across roles and industries learn AI skills to boost their productivity. The Digital Academy will also offer people the opportunity to achieve QQI level awards across various disciplines. As the first community-based centre of its kind, the Digital Training Academy represents a significant step in delivering certified training programmes to the local community.
Speaking about the launch Minister Eamon Ryan TD said:
“The launch of this Digital Training Academy will give people the essential digital and AI skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving society and work environment. Together Google.org and This City Works are opening doors for people to gain practical knowledge that can boost their confidence, their skills as well as their career and employment prospects. It’s an academy for today that equips people for their futures and reflects the ongoing commitment of This City Works to the docklands and to supporting jobseekers and employers operating in an increasingly digital world.”
Ryan Meade, Public Policy Lead at Google Ireland, said:
“Since 2022, This City Works has helped over 4,000 people access skills development and employment opportunities. Google Ireland is proud to support these important initiatives and the Digital Academy will be a powerful resource for ongoing skills training in the community. AI has the potential to address society’s biggest challenges, and Google is committed to ensuring people from all backgrounds have access to the skills needed to navigate and harness this technology responsibly. By working together, we’re preparing our community to thrive in the digital age and ensuring AI training is accessible to everyone.”
Joe Donnelly, This City Works, said:
“At This City Works, we believe in the transformative power of education and community collaboration. The launch of the Digital Training Academy and the provision of 500 AI Essentials Certificates represent a significant step towards empowering local residents. By offering essential skills training and support, we aim to create sustainable employment opportunities for those who need it most. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone has the chance to succeed and thrive in today’s digital economy.”
To find out more about the Digital Academy, contact info@fairplaycafe.ie