The ReSHAPE platform, using AI, enables professionals to retrain, upskill and ‘future-proof’ their careers.
The Technological University of Shannon (TUS) in Athlone has launched the Regional Skills Horizon and Pathways to Employment (ReSHAPE) platform, which is an AI-powered digital platform developed to support professionals based in Ireland’s midlands region, supporting economic development in regions such as Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath.
ReSHAPE is a collaboration between Munster Technological University (MTU), TUS and the University of Limerick (UL) and is part of a strategic initiative aiming to deliver education, training and skills development opportunities.
Users of the platform will be able to undertake a skills audit, identify transferable skills and access funded training opportunities. Employers can use the platform to identify organisational skills gaps and create workforce development strategies. Reportedly, the programme is designed to support thousands of learners across the midlands.
Commenting on the launch, Prof Vincent Cunnane, the president of TUS, said: “The platform represents a transformative opportunity for workers and employers across the region. ReSHAPE provides a powerful new tool to help individuals understand their capabilities and connect with education pathways that support sustainable careers in a rapidly evolving economy.
“The midlands is entering a new phase of economic transformation and ensuring people have access to the right skills at the right time is critical.”
Prof Maggie Cusack, the president of MTU added: “The collaboration between universities and industry partners was key to ensuring the platform delivers meaningful impact. ReSHAPE brings together education providers, industry and communities to ensure skills development is aligned with real workforce needs.
“By combining data-driven insights with accessible training pathways, the platform will help thousands of people across the midlands build the skills needed for the jobs of the future. ReSHAPE is also demonstrating that collaboration across higher education, industry and government can support better, evidence-based skills planning at a national level.”
Also in the midlands, Danish drug-maker Novo Nordisk recently announced a €432m investment at its Athlone-based plant to advance its manufacturing capacity for GLP-1 drugs. The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, TD called the news, “a vote of confidence in Athlone, the midlands and the skilled workforce we have worked hard to develop”.
He said: “It will help drive innovation, create highly skilled jobs and further strengthen Ireland’s pharmaceutical ecosystem.”
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