Skillnet Ireland, the national workforce development agency, will receive a total of €54.2million in Budget 2026 to deliver skills supports to businesses throughout Ireland. Skillnet Ireland’s exchequer funding will be further bolstered by up to €26 million in private sector matched funding, amounting to a total investment of up to €80 million for workforce development within enterprise in 2026.
Speaking after the Budget announcement Skillnet Ireland Chairperson, Brendan McGinty said:
“This is an important investment in workforce development by Government as part of its support for Ireland’s businesses. Skillnet Ireland, which is industry led, continues to face growing and unprecedented demand for support by Irish enterprises in addressing their workforce development challenges and we continue to work closely with them to support them in that effort.
These strategic challenges continue to grow in the face of skills priorities, digital adoption, artificial intelligence, the green economy and the pressing need to boost productivity and innovation across all sectors. By working closely with enterprise, particularly SMEs, we will tailor and prioritise available funding supports to deliver impactful upskilling solutions that build resilience, innovation, and competitiveness, for businesses across the economy.”
Businesses of all sizes can avail of upskilling programmes and business supports through 70 Skillnet Business Networks and Skillnet National Initiatives. Skillnet Ireland will continue its strategic commitment to meet the talent and workforce development requirements of an increasingly digital future, foster the growth of a low-carbon and sustainable economy and to enhance the competitiveness of Irish businesses.
Mark Jordan, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, said:“The world of work continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and the ability of businesses to adapt depends on the skills of their people. As a knowledge-based economy nurturing our highly skilled workforce is central to our national competitiveness. Skillnet Ireland will continue our work with our partners across government, enterprise, and within the education sector, to address critical skills gaps, and enable employers fully capitalise on the opportunities presented by technological innovation, digitalisation and the green transition.”
To celebrate and honour the older adults in our community, Irish Girl Guide members are teaching digital skills. This past week, Leaders from 10 new Units across Ireland joined a growing cohort of Hi Digital trained Members.
In total, 30 Units are ready to work with older people on the island, which include 60 Leaders and 402 Guides (10-14 y.o.) and Senior Branch (14-30 y.o.).
Since Irish Girl Guides started the partnership with Vodafone Foundation, over 2,000 older people have learned new skills, and this number will continue to expand.
The members learned about some of the barriers older adults face in navigating the digital landscape and how they can help combat social and digital isolation through the Hi Digital programme in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation.
The Units host sessions in their community centres, in parish churches, in Men’s and Women’s Sheds and Active Retirement Groups. Hi Digital sessions last one to two hours and the older adults get a chance not only to learn new skills but also to chat over a cup of tea or a mug of soup.
Learning digital skills is not just about understanding the step-by-step instructions but building confidence and skills towards a more independent life. This is achieved through comprehensive education that demonstrates not just how singular apps work but through universal symbols and recognizable instructions while supporting the growing confidence in the older adult.
One older participant said, “I feel more at ease, knowing that much more about my phone”. While the Irish Girl Guides grow into confident Leaders, they are also helping show the older adult’s new ways to lead more independent lives as they navigate their phones. As one Clogherhead Senior Branch member highlighted, “it was really great for our personal growth but also our community growth”.
This Christmas, Kinia, Ireland’s leading education-focused non-profit and social enterprise, is proud to unveil its specially curated collection of creative tech and educational kits from the Kinia Shop designed to delight kids (and anyone aged 8+) who love to make and empower the next generation of changemakers.
Purposeful shopping, powerful impact!
By choosing Kinia, you’re not just buying a gift, every purchase made directly fuels programmes that empower young people, giving them opportunities to grow, learn and transform their futures. Kinia’s 2030 target is to engage 800,000 young people in Creative Technology, Digital Skills, Literacy, and Numeracy programmes, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age. Every single purchase can spark a brighter future for schools and youth services that need support and resources.
Top Christmas Tech Gifts That Inspire and Educate:
Build a DIY Slide Projector, €18.00
A creative twist on old-school tech, this kit helps young learners understand how light and optics work, all while having fun building a functioning slide projector.
Build a Night Lantern Kit, €18.00
Create your own starlit night sky! Create your own glowing sky full of stars, planets, and cosmic magic and learn science and design skills.
Build a Coin Eating Robot, €18.00
This quirky maker kit is a mechanical piggy bank that doesn’t just “swallow” coins; it’s an introduction to the world of mechanics and electrical circuits.
Build a Remote Control Car, €18.00
Hands-on learning meets high-speed fun! Kids can build their remote-controlled car while exploring mechanics, electronics, and wireless technology.
Mini Podcasting Starter Kit, €163.75
Kick off a holiday podcast together with this all-in-one kit, then keep creating as they master the art of audio storytelling building communication skills, creativity, and confidence that last long after the Christmas Tree comes down.
Mobile Filmmaking Kit, €300.00
Perfect for budding vloggers and future filmmakers, this all-in-one kit transforms any smartphone into a mini pro-studio. From lighting to sound, it’s everything they need to shoot, edit, and share their stories in style while building real-world creative skills that last a lifetime.
Why Choose a Kinia Gift This Christmas?
Buy Irish, Give Back: With every purchase, you support an Irish non-profit and help bridge the digital divide, funding creative education for young people nationwide.
Gifts That Teach: All products help develop skills like creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, digital literacy, and lifelong learning. Every product is used by Kinia’s team in real educational settings, so you know it’s good, and it’s been tried and tested!
Learn and Build Together: These kits aren’t just for kids, they’re for the whole family. Each activity becomes a chance to connect, create, and learn together. Create lasting memories while developing skills such as communication and collaboration, that will last a lifetime.
Confidence Building: Kids build confidence through hands-on learning while building our STEM kits. They come with an affirmations checklist, and a Kinia skills tracker with stickers included to help celebrate their progress.
Sustainable and eco conscious: Kinia’s Creative and Educational STEM kits are made from mostly wooden, sustainable materials and even the packaging is recyclable and reusable. The instructions include fun activity ideas to repurpose what you’ve built so you can keep learning and having fun.
This Christmas, make your gift count. Shop local and with purpose, inspire curiosity, and empower change only at the Kinia Shop.
Achieving universal, meaningful Internet connectivity by 2030 could require an investment of USD 2.6 trillion to USD 2.8 trillion at current prices, according to the Connecting Humanity Action Blueprint released today by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – the UN agency for digital technologies – and the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The report outlines the challenges, projected costs, and collaborative strategies needed to make sure everyone, everywhere, can use the Internet, including the estimated one-third of humanity currently offline.
The largest investment component — USD 1.5 trillion to USD 1.7 trillion — is required for hard infrastructure, alongside substantial funding for human and institutional capacity, mainly in developing countries.
“Digital connectivity means creating opportunities for education, jobs, and access to essential services that can transform lives and communities,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “While significant resources are needed to meaningfully connect everyone, these are investments that will contribute to a prosperous digital future for all.”
The challenge of connecting billions
ITU estimates that 2.6 billion people are still excluded from the digital world, with connectivity closely linked to levels of socio-economic development. In 2024, an estimated 93 per cent of the population in high-income countries was using the Internet, compared to just 27 per cent in low-income countries.
The new report on achieving universal meaningful connectivity builds on ITU’s original 2020 Connecting Humanity study, published under the direction of the G20 during the presidency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by identifying critical gaps with the anticipated costs for addressing them.
“The world needs between USD 2.6 trillion and USD 2.8 trillion to connect humanity by 2030. This figure is nearly five times higher than the last assessment conducted in 2020 in partnership with ITU during the Saudi chairmanship of the G20,” said H.E. Eng. Haytham AlOhali, Acting Governor of CST. “Such a dramatic increase underscores the urgency for international cooperation, collective investment, and the sharing of expertise if we are to achieve the vision of universal, meaningful connectivity for all.”
Key costs highlighted in the report include:
Digital infrastructure – USD 1.5 trillion to USD 1.7 trillion: Expanding broadband networks to underserved populations represents the single largest cost. The report estimates the costs of deploying fibre networks in and around urban areas, 4G fixed wireless in rural regions, and satellites in the most remote locations.
Affordability – USD 983 billion: Reducing the cost of smartphones and broadband services — both fixed and mobile — is vital so that individuals and households worldwide, particularly in lower-income regions, can afford to connect and stay online.
Digital skills – USD 152 billion: Connectivity alone is not enough — people must have the skills to use the Internet effectively. Investments to fund large-scale digital literacy initiatives can empower individuals to access online education, secure better jobs, and actively participate in a digitally-driven society.
Policy and regulation – USD 600 million: Modernizing regulations and creating predictable policy environments worldwide are essential to unlock efficiencies and promote innovation. While this represents the smallest cost component, it holds back digital transformation and sustains the other gaps. The impact of closing it would be massive.
Public-private collaboration needed
As theConnecting Humanity Action Blueprint highlights, global progress on connectivity has been uneven, with the world’s 46 least-developed countries lagging significantly due to financing barriers, limited technical expertise, and unreliable infrastructure.
To address these challenges, ITU calls for innovative business approaches and renewed collaboration between governments, the tech industry, development finance institutions, and civil society, to close current divides and prevent future ones, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence (AI).
The report concludes with recommendations to accelerate digital inclusion worldwide, including using schools as gateways to Internet access, investing in energy infrastructure in Africa, and enhancing data collection at the sub-national level.
Tech Industry Alliance’s flagship annual conference, TechFest 2025, brought over 400 delegates to the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork on Thursday, 15 May, for a powerful day of insight, innovation, and inspiration. With the theme “Tech & Humanity – Shaping Our Future,” the event challenged attendees to re-imagine our relationship with technology—from the rise of AI to the future of work and the next frontier: space.
Hosted by Tech Industry Alliance, the conference brought together tech and business leaders, educators, startups, and policymakers from across the South West of Ireland to explore how technology is impacting every aspect of society—and how we can ensure that progress is human-centred, ethical, and inclusive.
Tech & Humanity – Shaping Our Future
The conference opened with a captivating keynote by neuroscientist and broadcaster Dr. Hannah Critchlow, who explored “Consciousness and Our Evolving Relationship with AI”. The morning continued with a powerful panel on AI and Humanity, moderated by Jonathan McCrea, that delved into the ethical, philosophical, and societal impacts of artificial intelligence.
Later in the day, Cormac O’Sullivan of MBRYONICS delivered a visionary talk on “Building the Internet in Space”, which led into a thought-provoking discussion on Space and the Future of Humanity, highlighting the South West’s growing role in space-tech innovation.
Other key sessions examined the future of tech talent, exploring the skills and strategies needed to future-proof the workforce, and featured a showcase of evolving tech companies, with early-stage startups from the region pitching their products and sharing their journeys.
Exhibition stands, networking lounges, and interactive sessions throughout the day gave attendees opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate.
A Region Leading the Way
Gerry Murphy, Chairperson of Tech Industry Alliance, commented on the event with a strong call to action: “TechFest 2025 has shown what happens when bright minds and bold ideas come together. The South West is not just keeping pace—we’re helping to shape the future of technology on a national and international stage. Today’s conversations will echo in tomorrow’s innovations.”
“Our deep thanks go to our sponsors and partners, whose commitment helps drive the growth and cohesion of the region’s tech ecosystem. This is about more than technology—it’s about people, purpose, and progress.”
Whether you’re an avid gamer or a beginner to the world of gaming, there’s so much out there that for generations who are alive right now, it’s a fortunate existence to have. With so much entertainment at our fingertips, it’s hard to ever find the time to be bored.
Of course, it’s important to try and manage your time carefully when playing online so that it doesn’t become all-consuming. However, if you’re someone who is trying to get more out of gaming, then there are plenty of ways in which you can level up your skillset and allow it to benefit more areas of your life.
You see, gaming can be more than just a form of entertainment. It can help you learn more life skills, improve cognitive function, and mental health. There are some great benefits to gaming, which is why many people do it regularly. Let’s take a look at how you can level up your gaming efforts and skills in 2025.
Start with the basics
In order to improve your gaming efforts, it’s best to start at the beginning. The beginning is the basics and everything that comes with learning to play games as a beginner. From the game’s mechanics to the controls and the core strategies that are needed to be successful in whatever game you play.
The beauty of games is that every single one of them is different from the next, which is what makes them interesting to begin with. With that being said, you should consider what games you’d like to play and whether you have experience with these already.
If you do have experience with games, then it might be a case of taking yourself back to basics because what a lot of gamers tend to do is skim past the instructions or fail to update the game’s mechanics to suit their needs and playing methods.
Try to dedicate some time to more focused gameplay where you hone your skills in a specific area or just get used to the basics of the game again. Sometimes, mastering the fundamentals is an essential part of leveling up your gaming skills.
Expand your exploration of gaming online and offline
We’re very lucky as a generation to have such a wonderful assortment of games to choose from. Whether that’s games online or offline, there’s a lot out there to consider playing.
For example, a lot of the traditional games that you’d only play off the internet are now on the internet too, like a simple word search or crossword. The art of digital gaming is one that’s opened up a world of gaming opportunities, from the nostalgic classics to virtual reality and machine-learning gaming.
While so much has already changed and developed within the gaming world, there’s still a great lot of of growth and potential thanks to the technology that’s now readily available.
Look at what games you could play both in the real world and in the online world. Expanding your exploration of both, including all the genres that are out there, is a great way to maximize your experience.
Analyze your gameplay
Sometimes, in order to improve your gameplay, you need to take a closer look at your own performance. Analyzing your gameplay is a great way of understanding what mistakes you might be making and where improvements can be made on your improvements.
This might mean reviewing your replays where they’re made available within the game. A lot of gamers nowadays, especially those who stream on the internet, will record their gameplay, so this is an excellent way of looking at how well you’re playing and where those improvements need to be made.
Some games might require a bit more in-depth review and analysis, especially where open maps are concerned. Understanding the layout, the dynamics of the map, and where you could navigate within the game next is all helpful when it comes to maximizing your gameplay.
Watch others play games
If you’re someone who enjoys watching other people play the games you’re interested in, then this is always a great way to improve your gameplay because you’re learning from others.
While watching your own replays might be helpful, there’s something about being able to watch others that is a lot more insightful because you often spot things that you never would have thought about prior.
Consider what games you might want to watch in order to generate more knowledge about a particular game you’re looking to play or how you can adopt the experience you’re seeing in front of you from another gamer into a game you’re playing now.
Upgrade your gaming equipment and environment
As part of the gaming experience you’re providing to yourself, it’s important that you’re upgrading your gaming equipment and environment regularly. Whether it’s a shared space in the home, or you’re lucky to have a space of your own.
Updating this space to make it more immersive, as well as helping it to elevate your gameplay, is something that can be wonderful to take advantage of. Think about how you could upgrade your equipment. This could be updating your screen monitor, or perhaps having a gaming keyboard and mouse combination that elevates your gameplay even more.
Don’t forget about incorporating sound into the space to further immerse yourself in games with out-of-this-world soundscapes.
Start developing strategies for some gameplay
Strategies are helpful to have when it comes to making the most of your gameplay. Like everything else in life, including business, strategies help you achieve a goal or ambition that you have.
Gaming is no different in this regard, and so if you’re looking to beat the final boss or get the most out of what is a complex game, think about what strategies you can approach with. There’s a lot of benefit that comes from finding strategies within your gameplay, especially as the games become more immense in their development and game potential.
Communicate with others
Communication is a great way of making your game experience more enjoyable. What was perhaps once a solo experience is now a shared one, and you’ll find that there are plenty of gamers out there who are more than happy to play with others to elevate their own gameplay.
Effective communication is crucial in multiplayer games, so learning to communicate more clearly and efficiently is key. Look to communicate with fellow gamers, even if you’re somewhat of an introvert in that regard.
Make sure to look after your well-being
While gaming can be a wonderful thing to have in your life, it’s also something that can take a toll on your mental health and physical well-being if you’re not careful. Of course, being able to level up your gaming can be highly satisfying, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your well-being.
Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is important, despite the fun and enjoyment that you can have from gaming. If you’re getting burned out, take a break and come back to it at a later date for the sake of your health.
The world of gaming is exciting, and if you’re looking to get more out of gaming this year, then there are plenty of ways to level up your own gameplay. Use these tips to get the most out of gaming online and offline this year. Stay up to date with all the relevant changes and updates being made so that you can adapt as a gamer in this evolving environment.
From Awareness to Action: Engineers Ireland advocating for engineering outreach, an education position from the Engineers Ireland STEPS programme, will be presented at the Engineers Ireland STEPS 25th Anniversary Celebration on Monday 7 April with a panel event hosted by Mark Langtry, TV presenter and STEM Education Expert. The panel will feature Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, Úna Parsons, Retired Head of College, Atlantic Technological University, and Head of Faculty of Engineering and Design, and Dr Keith Sunderland, Engineers Ireland Registrar and STEPS Director.The paper will be available on Monday 7 April.
The panel will discuss the findings andrecommendations of the paper including the creation of a national Centre of Excellence for Engineering Outreach, embedding engineering more explicitly in school curricula, and pushing for real changes in STEM policy. It calls for targeted teacher training, a national awareness campaign, and a long-overdue recognition of apprenticeships as respected routes into the profession.
The Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme is the only national STEM programme with a dedicated focus on engineering. Centred on children aged 5-16, the programme has introduced over 2 million children and young people to engineering as a meaningful and exciting career path.
If you would like to speak with Dr Keith Sunderland, Engineers Ireland Registrar and STEPS Director about the programme, or the findings and recommendations of the education report
Suggested interview topics:
Skills shortage: A shortage of engineering talent is threatening Ireland’s ability to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven, knowledge-based economy.
‘College-only’ outlook: The lack of awareness, opportunities, and perception of engineering apprenticeships highlights gap in the engineering education and outreach system.
Addressing gender inequity in STEM: 68% of girls-only schools offer STEM subjects other than science or maths, compared to 96% of boys’ schools (IWish, 2024)
About STEPS The Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme is designed to open up the exciting possibilities that engineering offers to school children who want to make a real difference in the world. STEPS aims to inspire future generations of STEM talent by providing meaningful, fun, and practical insights into the diverse world of engineering. http://www.engineersireland.ie/schools
About Engineers Ireland With over 28,000 members, Engineers Ireland is the voice of the engineering profession in Ireland. Engineers Ireland was established in 1835, making it one of the oldest and largest professional bodies in Ireland. Members come from every discipline of engineering, and they range from engineering students to fellows of the profession. For more information, see www.engineersireland.ie
Microsoft marks its 50th anniversary globally, a major milestone on its journey of shaping and developing the innovative technologies transforming our economy and society.
To celebrate this milestone, Microsoft is rolling out AI Skills Fest, a 50-day series of curated events and opportunities to engage in AI discovery and learning. The series of events will cater for everyone from professionals to students and business leaders offering a unique opportunity to advance AI skills through hackathons, live training sessions, on-demand experiences, community events, and much more.
The Microsoft AI Skills Fest will begin with a spectacular Kick-off Celebration on April 8th, 2025. Starting in Australia at 9 AM Australian Eastern Standard Time and wrapping up in the United States at 4 PM Pacific Daylight Time, this 24-hour, globe-spanning event will feature a variety of AI learning activities designed to engage and inspire learners of all experience levels.
In Ireland upper primary, post primary and Youthreach students are also being invited to join the Dream Space Live AI Skills Fest event on April 8th from 10am – 3pm. The five-hour virtual event, streamed live from Microsoft Dream Space, will immerse students in the world of AI through interactive sessions that encourage learners to grow and enhance their AI fluency.
Led by Microsoft’s team of Dream Space educators, learners can look forward to engaging AI sessions tailored to their needs, including hands-on creative AI challenges, discussions on ethical AI, and an exploration of future AI careers.
This event is one of many events taking place across the globe to achieve a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for most users to take an online multi-level artificial intelligence lesson in 24 hours.
“Today, as we celebrate 50 years of innovation at Microsoft, we look forward with great excitement to the opportunities the next era of technological transformation will bring. AI is redefining how we live, work and do business. That’s why it’s crucial we equip everyone across society with the skills and capabilities to succeed in an AI enabled economy”, said James O’Connor,Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre
“As we mark this milestone, we’re proud to continue delivering on our commitment to empower every individual across Ireland to thrive in the era of AI. Kicking off with a special Microsoft Dream Space event, which will be streamed live for students across the country, the Microsoft AI Skills Fest provides a valuable opportunity to inspire, educate and enhance AI skills and fluency for everyone across the island of Ireland. We hope all students and educators will take the opportunity to engage with this special Dream Space event, and that adults across the island of Ireland will participate in some of the many AI learning events over the next 50 days to advance their AI skills.”
For anyone who is not an educator or student and looking to engage with many of the other AI learning opportunities as part of the wider Microsoft AI Skills Fest go AI Skills Fest | Home.
Digital games have reached their most competitive level to date. Gamers aspire to enhance their skills through ranked increments to secure more victory outcomes. Development requires both time and committed work to complete.
By using AI technology, players can submit their gameplay logs for analysis, which produces performance feedback that enhances their ability to develop skills efficiently. AI technology delivers significant advantages to both casual gamers and esports competitors.
AI-Powered Coaching
Through its functioning, AI behaves as an individual coaching mentor. The system observes your gameplay activities to provide advice. The system detects errors while offering alternative approaches for improvement.
Multiple AI-based coaching platforms present game information in straightforward analytical insights. Programming enables quick learning, which directly leads to swift implementation of changes.
Real-Time Performance Analysis
Artificial intelligence provides real-time monitoring of all actions. This analytical system monitors accuracy together with reaction speed and makes assessments about decision-making capabilities. AI uses the collected data to identify weak areas. The tools deliver analysis that showcases pro player metrics by identifying areas where you require improvement.
Personalized Training Plans
Each player requires different levels of training. AI tailors practice activities specifically for individual players based upon their current abilities. Training sessions that focus on aiming should be recommended when you struggle with accurate shots according to the system.
The program delivers tactical lessons to students who need help with strategy. The AI adjusts practice sessions in ways that lead players toward smarter ways of learning rather than longer hours of practice.
Smarter Matchmaking and Game Sense
Multiple game developers employ artificial intelligence systems to pair users with opponents who match their skill level. The system matches players who have comparable abilities, thus creating balanced gameplay. Through pattern analysis, AI identifies future moves made by opponents. The system enables players to build stronger strategic intuition as well as guess what enemies may do next.
Using AI-powered training tools represents a solid choice for anyone who wants to improve their gaming abilities. Users can sign up today on leading platforms that offer AI training tools to enhance their gameplay. AI-generated insights will speed up your progression while boosting your game decisions in real-time situations.
AI for Aim and Reflex Improvement
AI can help sharpen aiming skills. Advanced aim trainers use AI to adjust difficulty based on performance. Reaction time tests powered by AI help players get faster. These tools push players to improve without feeling overwhelmed.
AI in Strategy and Decision-Making
Through the use of AI technology, players can enhance their ability to aim. Training systems with advanced AI functionality modify their difficulty settings according to users’ success rates. Artificial Intelligence runs reaction time tests, which help players reduce their response times. These performance-enhancing tools help players improve through an optimized learning experience.
AI for In-Game Communication Improvement
Through voice chat analysis AI provides players with better callout recommendations that enhance their communication capabilities. Using AI enables effective teamwork through its ability to detect hazy messages, which reduce communication errors while improving online coordination among fellow players.
AI for Mental Training
Video gameplay extends beyond technical aspects. Games demand good focus together with mental durability. AI-based apps provide concentration exercises together with stress management tips for users. The training system enables competitors to manage their emotions during high-pressure situations, thus improving their performance levels.
AI provides players with access to coaching services alongside real-time feedback and customized training plans as well as mental support resources. Artificial Intelligence serves as an asset that enables players to achieve quicker development through enhanced training methods. The advancement of gaming presents real benefits to individuals who utilize AI technology.
