For over 25 years, the National Training Fund (NTF) has played a central role in Ireland’s workforce transformation, supporting upskilling of those in employment, preparing jobseekers, and enabling lifelong learning.
In January, I signed the Commencement Order for the National Training Fund (Amendment) Act 2025, unlocking €1.5 billion from the NTF surplus over six years to 2030. This includes €650 million in capital investment to expand healthcare and veterinary training capacity, increase PhD stipends and research supports, and modernise infrastructure to deliver world-class skills.
The package also includes a €235 million ring-fenced skills programme, with €35 million allocated in Budget 2026 for upskilling and reskilling initiatives to meet the needs of individual learners, the construction sector and SMEs nationwide. Funding is allocated through a range of organisations including SOLAS, Skillnet Ireland, the Higher Education Authority and The Wheel, which in turn support delivery through their respective networks.
Overall, approximately €564 million will be allocated from the NTF in 2026 to programmes supporting those in employment, including €37 million in capital expenditure. This capital funding, allocated to SOLAS, supports innovative equipment and facilities across six priority areas: construction; manufacturing (including biopharma); technology and digital; healthcare; hospitality and the experience economy; and the green transition.
In relation to digital transformation and AI, it is not possible to provide a precise breakdown of NTF expenditure attributable solely to AI, as AI-related supports are embedded across a broader suite of digital skills, innovation and workforce development programmes, with funding generally allocated at programme rather than individual thematic level.
Earlier this year, I was pleased to support SOLAS’ rollout of a suite of AI-focused micro-qualifications at NFQ levels 4 to 6, available nationwide through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Developed with enterprise partners and experts from the research and innovation ecosystem, including ADAPT and Microsoft, these programmes cover areas such as Enhancing Productivity with AI, machine-learning fundamentals, ethical AI, data analysis and practical SME use cases, with further expansion planned.
ETBs also deliver a broad range of FET upskilling and reskilling supports for SMEs in AI, digital and sustainability skills. Micro-qualifications were specifically designed to address barriers of time and relevance for employers: they are highly subsidised, flexibly delivered, and typically involve around 50 hours of combined tutor-led and self-directed learning.
There are currently 45 validated micro-qualifications being rolled out across the FET system, spanning digital and AI skills, robotics, productivity and business innovation, sustainability and circular-economy practices, sustainable finance and procurement, leadership and resilience, transversal and care-related skills, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including contamination control in cleanroom environments.
ETBs also provide a suite of leadership and management upskilling programmes under Skills to Advance, delivered locally and flexibly at little or no cost to employers.
On 23 April, I launched AIReady.ie, a new national online AI skilling platform developed by SOLAS in partnership with the National Skills Council. Initial content focuses on building foundational AI literacy and practical digital capability through four free short courses tailored to older people, small businesses such as sole traders and farmers, and individuals returning to the workforce. The platform was developed by SOLAS, in partnership with the National Skills Council, and is designed to make learning about AI more accessible and inclusive.
Skillnet Ireland continues to deliver AI upskilling at scale through its Business Networks, with more than 50 AI training programmes delivered in 2025, ranging from short introductory courses to an MSc in Artificial Intelligence developed with the University of Limerick, which now has over 400 graduates. Skillnet also delivers specialist AI supports through five dedicated technology-focused Networks and the Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet AI Capability Accelerator, a practical, coaching-led programme for senior leaders.
In addition, Skillnet Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are collaborating on a four-part AI Discovery Webinar Series for SME leaders, with over 350 companies registered, focused on ethical AI adoption, productivity and addressing digital skills gaps.
Eligible employees in the SME sector may also access Springboard+ provision. Springboard+ 2026 offers 7,274 places across 244 programmes, with 90% delivered online or in blended formats. Almost one quarter of places are in digital skills, including 428 places in AI-focused programmes from NFQ levels 6 to 9.
Finally, the NTF also supports skills development activity delivered by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. Information on NTF-funded supports is available through the National Enterprise Hub, the Government’s one-stop shop for business supports.
