Microsoft backs Ireland's AIReady.ie as government targets one million free AI skills learners

Developed by SOLAS in partnership with the National Skills Council and Microsoft, the government-backed platform offers four short courses requiring no technical background and no paid software.

Dr Kevin Marshall, Head of Future Living at Microsoft Ireland and Chair of the National Skills Council, speaking at the official launch of AIReady.ie at Dogpatch Labs, Dublin. Photo credit: Catherine Doyle / Microsoft Ireland

The Irish government has formally launched AIReady.ie, a free national AI skills platform developed by SOLAS, the state's further education and training authority, in partnership with the National Skills Council.

Minister James Lawless TD launched the platform with a stated ambition to upskill one million people in AI, making it one of Ireland's most significant AI workforce initiatives to date. The platform is available immediately, with courses accessible on smartphones and tablets and no requirement for paid AI software subscriptions.

According to a LinkedIn post from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the platform is designed to make AI learning "more accessible and inclusive, supporting work, study and everyday life," with initial content targeting older people, small businesses and sole traders, farmers, and those returning to the workforce.

Four free courses, each under 30 minutes

AIReady.ie currently offers four beginner-level courses, each running between 20 and 30 minutes and structured around two to three modules. Getting Started with AI introduces everyday AI use in 20 minutes. Everyday AI covers scam awareness, online safety, and health in 30 minutes. AI in Your Job addresses correspondence, business administration, and proposal writing. AI to Support Your Career covers career exploration, CV building, and interview preparation.

All courses are fully funded by the Government of Ireland through SOLAS and are designed to work with free versions of tools including ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Users are not required to purchase premium software to complete any course. The platform is mobile-optimized and requires only basic registration before access is granted.

Microsoft's role and the National Skills Council connection

Posting on LinkedIn, Catherine Doyle, General Manager of Microsoft Ireland, said the team at Microsoft was "proud to have contributed to the development of this platform," noting that Kevin Marshall, a Microsoft employee, served in his capacity as Chair of the National Skills Council during its development. Doyle added: "AI is already changing how we work and live. The opportunity now is to ensure that everyone has the skills and confidence to benefit from it, whether that's in the workplace, in business, or in everyday life."

The platform was first announced by Minister Lawless at Microsoft Ireland's 40th anniversary celebrations in November 2025. The formal launch took place at Dogpatch Labs, with the one million upskilling target set as the headline ambition. SOLAS has indicated that additional free course options are available through its eCollege platform covering technology, sustainability, and business, including further AI content, for users seeking more than the four AIReady.ie courses currently on offer.