AI Futures Course - National College of Ireland
The National College of Ireland (NCI), a partner of Open Doors, is offering a new, fully-funded one-year programme: AI Futures. The course is designed for young adults aged 18-24 who may not have followed a traditional education pathway, may have left education, or simply have not yet found the right next step.
The programme has been designed to remove many of the traditional barriers to entering third-level education. There are no tuition fees, no traditional exams and no requirement for previous third-level qualifications. Instead, students learn through practical, project-based activity, supported by mentoring, personal development and engagement with employers.
AI Futures has been developed with employers including Citi, JP Morgan Chase, and Salesforce, who will work with students on real projects as part of the programme.
Students attend NCI’s IFSC campus 2.5 days per week across one academic year on:
- Monday and Tuesday, 9am-5pm
- Friday, 9am-1pm
AI Futures introduces students to AI and the changing world of work while developing broader skills to support progression into further education, higher education or employment.
Who is it for?
The programme may be particularly suitable for a young person aged 18-24 who:
- has left school or further education and is unsure what to do next;
- didn’t get the Leaving Certificate results they hoped for;
- hasn’t previously considered college;
- is unemployed or currently looking for work;
- is working but wants to explore a different direction;
- is interested in AI or technology but has little or no previous experience;
- wants to build confidence and practical workplace skills;
- would benefit from a more practical style of learning rather than traditional exams and lectures; or
- simply hasn’t yet found the education or career route that suits them.
A Leaving Certificate is not required, and previous experience in AI or computing is not expected. Entry is intended to be flexible rather than based solely on traditional academic qualifications.
The programme is open to both employed and unemployed young people. For eligible participants already receiving a social welfare payment, arrangements have been agreed with the Department of Social Protection to enable participation while retaining the relevant payment, subject to the applicable DSP conditions.
What opportunities does AI Futures provide?
AI Futures is about much more than learning about AI. It is designed to provide a supported bridge into the next stage of a young person’s education or career.
Participants will gain exposure to AI and digital skills, practical project work, workplace and employability skills, communication and presentation experience, career planning, mentoring and personal development, alongside engagement with employers and industry.
The aim is that by the end of the programme, each participant is in a stronger position to identify and pursue their next step - whether that is further or higher education, another training pathway or employment.
Importantly, participants do not need to already know that they want a career in AI. AI provides the context for the programme, but the wider focus is on developing confidence, practical skills, exposure to opportunities and helping young people identify a pathway that works for them.
You can learn more about AI Futures on the course brochure and on the NCI website here: AI Futures Website
You can also register your interest below. Make sure to select "Open Doors" when asked how you heard about this opportunity.