As AI reshapes workplaces across Ireland, businesses face a growing need for employees who can combine technical know-how with human skills. From data literacy to ethical decision making, organisations are looking to reskill and upskill staff to make AI adoption practical and sustainable.
At the same time, the wider education and training system must equip learners with hands-on experience and the critical thinking needed to thrive in AI-integrated roles. Experts say collaboration between employers, training networks and educators is key to creating a workforce ready for the AI era.
AI-driven transformation is about the coalescence of technical and human skills and the necessity for employees to be stewards of both sets for the first time, says David Gethin, senior manager, workforce consulting, PwC Ireland. “Non-negotiable skills include critical thinking, learning agility and literacy in data and AI. Not everyone must be an AI engineer, but all need a baseline understanding of the technology and how to apply it to their work.
“Further, an essential skill for managers and leaders going forward is a real fluency and comfort in managing people through change as well as being able to manage a potential hybrid workforce of both humans and AI agents.”
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The Skillnet Ireland Talent Landscape 2025 report revealed that two-thirds of Irish businesses expect AI to drive growth in the next few years, says Tracey Donnery, director of policy and communications, Skillnet Ireland. “Demand is expanding beyond core technical skills such as data analytics and machine learning into human-centred capabilities like strategic thinking, problem solving and ethical navigation. These skills are crucial to ensuring AI initiatives deliver value and adoption is sustainable.”
Many of the skills required can be acquired through internal reskilling and upskilling of your people and need to be fostered in an environment of continuous learning, Gethin says. “These skills are mostly ‘bolt-ons’ rather than entirely new. Employers should first upskill their own people, focusing on equipping them with the right tools and driving adoption.”
The PwC 2025 Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey found that employees who feel supported in their upskilling journey report a 73 per cent boost in motivation, underscoring the critical role of ongoing learning and development.
SME business owners are acutely aware of the need to build future-ready skills, while protecting precious resources, such as time, budget and staff capacity, says Donnery. “Smaller companies can build AI capability practically by connecting with the Skillnet Ireland Business Network that matches their sector. Networks help businesses assess skills, identify upskilling opportunities and map realistic pathways to adopt AI.
“Through this approach, Skillnet Business Networks support businesses to avoid investing in training or tools that don’t align with their goals. Instead, they gain targeted, expert‑guided support that allows them to adopt AI step by step, confidently and cost‑effectively.”
Education and training must embed AI literacy while strengthening the human skills most in demand, such as critical thinking, communication, ethical judgment and adaptability, says Gethin. “Learners need hands-on experience with AI tools to see their value, risks and limitations, enabling more informed decisions.
“Curricula must be flexible, frequently refreshed with industry insights and crafted to foster ongoing learning, enabling workers to stay ahead in AI-driven roles. By blending technical AI understanding with robust human skills, we prepare learners for the dynamic workplace of today.”
Key to the safe adoption of AI is the concept of the “human in the loop”, which will remain crucial, and equipping Ireland’s workforce of the future with the right skills to undertake that role is critical, says Gethin.
Skillnet Ireland partners with 57 industry bodies, supporting more than 24,000 businesses and 90,000 trainees each year, says Donnery. “Collaboration is vital. No single stakeholder can address the AI skills challenge alone. Effective collaboration means employers defining real skills needs, and education and training providers responding with flexible, relevant solutions. Skillnet Ireland operates at this intersection, facilitating collaboration between industry and higher education.
“By 2025, we delivered more than 50 AI-related programmes across sectors and regions. As we expand our supports, we are developing new initiatives to equip business leaders and their teams with the skills to adopt AI and drive digital transformation.”
