Skills for Jobs

Skills for Jobs

Skills for Jobs is a global skills initiative, designed by Microsoft and LinkedIn, providing access to 350 courses and eight new Career Essentials Certificates for the most in-demand jobs in the digital economy.

Datacentre Academy

Microsoft Datacentre Community Affairs has created a network of Datacentre Academies to assist in the development of local workforces for the datacentre industry. The program offers unique learning opportunities to teach skills required for IT support scenarios in large-scale IT environments, such as a hyperscale cloud datacentre, through the school’s datacentre lab. This datacentre Lab is a small scale version of a hyperscale datacentre to provide hands on learning opportunities with hyperscale server, networking and other related equipment. Microsoft partners with two education providers delivering programs aligned to the Datacentre Academy programme at Collinstown Park Community College and TU Dublin - Blanchardstown.

Microsoft Ireland and TU Dublin

Microsoft Ireland and TU Dublin recently signed an MOU to establish a collaboration framework for both organisations to support the development of Cloud, Cyber and Datacenter skills through existing and new potential courses delivered at TU Dublin. Working together Microsoft and TU Dublin are committed to supporting initiatives that provide greater access into these skilling programs while also remaining focused on the promotion of STEM based programs connecting with existing initiatives such as Microsoft Dream Space. The collaboration also affirms a Datacentre Academy partnership between Microsoft and TU Dublin developing new talent for the datacentre industry through an existing internship pathway from TU Dublin Learn + Work Network Technologies program delivered at TU Dublin Blanchardstown and a Cyber & Security program delivered at TU Dublin Tallaght amongst other initiatives.

Generation Ireland IT Support & Cyber Skilling Programme

Microsoft has joined forces with Generation Ireland to help those looking to kickstart their career in cyber security and the digital economy but don’t have prior IT experience or education.
As part of the free nine-week upskilling programme, Generation Ireland provides learners with the opportunity to learn technical IT support skills and cyber security skills as well as receiving one-to-mentoring to support their journey into employment within the digital economy.
At the end of the programme, learners are connected with employers with live vacancies and are given practical support to secure their first job in IT Support and forge a career pathway into in-demand cyber security roles.

H Dip in Data Analytics for Business

Delivered by CCT College, The Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics for Business postgraduate course aims to provide an opportunity for learners with a degree outside the computing arena as well as those currently involved within the IT sphere to refocus and reskill for careers that require Data Analytics knowledge and skills.
This programme is specifically designed for individuals with evidenced numerate, technical and analytical ability who aspire to work, or are working, in roles that involve data analysis or the interpretation of data to inform business management and decision-making. They will have the opportunity to continue to develop knowledge, skill and competence to remain competitive and employable in an ever-advancing sector.

Masters in Data Analytics for Business

Delivered by CCT College, The MSc in Data Analytics is a Masters level postgraduate qualification which can be completed in 12 months and is designed to equip graduates in IT or areas related to numeracy/technology the opportunity to obtain specialist skills to leverage data for strategic business advantage. The programme leads to an award by QQI at Level 9 of the NFQ and consists of 60 credits of taught module work + 30 credits of an applied project. Learners who decide to leave the programme, after completing the taught elements only, may be entitled to receive the embedded exit award of a Post Graduate Diploma in Science in Data Analytics.

H Dip in Artificial Intelligence (Concepts and Applications)

Delivered by CCT College, This Higher Diploma in AI course is a rigorous and highly skills focused conversion course. The course deals with current business trends in the use of AI and the tools and technologies used in implementing Artificial Intelligence across a wide selection of business types undergoing digital transformation. The course also deals with the different types of accepted AI and its underlying implementation. The design and development of modules within this programme was informed by significant industry consultation, particularly from Microsoft and its partner network. Participants on the course will undertake learning in the subjects of programming, mathematical, logical and strategic thinking as well as machine learning, data gathering, analysis and visualisation and the subsequent business application of these skills. Industry-initiated real-world problems will be provided by our industry contacts and used as the context for planning and designing assessment solutions, as well as being an aid for problem-solving sessions.

Diploma in Networking and Systems Security

Delivered by CCT College, the Diploma in Networking and Security Systems aims to provide learners with a pathway to progress towards professional roles at entry or junior level in networking and security systems. In addition to networking and associated technical skills, focus areas include: critical analysis, advanced evaluation, self-analysis, problem solving, verbal and written communication skills, team management and collaboration skills. This programme is delivered on an online basis over three 12-week semesters and will be completed in one academic year. Successful learners will receive a NFQ Special Purpose Diploma at Level 7 (60 credits) awarded by QQI. Graduates will also be prepared to pursue further pathway to academic studies at NFQ Level 7 or above.