AI Micro-Qualifications — Ireland's SOLAS and Microsoft Launch QQI-Accredited Level 5–6 AI Awards Across 16 Education and Training Boards

On 3 February 2026 Minister James Lawless launched a suite of Further Education and Training micro-qualifications in artificial intelligence under SOLAS's Skills to Advance initiative, at Microsoft Ireland.
The courses are accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and lead to Level 5 and 6 Special Purpose Awards on the National Framework of Qualifications. Each comprises roughly 50 hours of combined tutor-led and self-directed learning, is highly subsidised, and can be taken in person, online or blended through Ireland's 16 Education and Training Boards.
Content covers machine-learning basics, ethical AI, data analysis and practical business use cases, with an introductory AI-literacy course, a workplace-productivity module and further programmes on legal and ethical duties under frameworks such as the EU AI Act in development.
Caveat: the sources report the design and rollout only. No enrolment, completion or learning-outcome data had been published at the time of writing, so evidence of impact is not yet established; the programme is not aimed specifically at teachers.

Read the full analysis: https://www.solas.ie/programmes/skills-to-advance/ai-micro-qualifications/