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In partnership with TU Dublin, Cisco Networking Academy has put together a free, self-paced AI and Data Science training pathway aimed at students in Ireland aged 14-18. The goal of this initiative is to give students a unique insight into the working world of IT and enabling them to gain industry-aligned skills, including Digital Badges, to help prepare for in-demand jobs.
How does it work?
How does it work?
The training programme follows a selection of Cisco Networking Academy courses in AI, Data Science, and Programming. We recommend you take the courses in order (as illustrated by the image on the right) but you can jump between the courses if preferred.
How can students enrol?
How can students enrol?
To enrol, students need to simply click on the links provided below and create an account. Then you can get started right away.
Students are advised to enrol in the first course to begin with; Introduction to Modern AI.
Students are not required to complete the entire pathway and can choose to enrol in just one or some of the courses that make up the pathway. All courses are self-paced and self-enrol so learners can step in and out as other personal and academic commitment may arise.
At the end of each course, learners will have the opportunity to gain a Digital Badge. This can be obtained by scoring over 70% in the end of course exam. The Digital Badge is unique to you and can be added to CVs, applications, and other job-related resources.
The Courses
The Courses
Introduction to Modern AI
Introduction to Modern AI
Estimated duration: 6 hours
Overview: If you are new to AI and ready to give it a try, look no further! Introduction to Modern AI is a beginner-friendly course designed to help you learn key AI concepts and get hands-on practice with AI-enabled apps. You will start with an overview of AI. Then you'll explore computer vision using a photo app and machine translation with an online translation tool. Finally, take a deep-dive into chatbots–full of tips for writing better prompts and hands-on practice with 10+ popular chatbots and AI tools, including ChatGPT, Meta AI, Gemini, Google Translate, Claude, Hugging Chat, NotebookLM and more.
Prompt Like An Engineer
Prompt Like An Engineer
Estimated duration: 9 hours
Overview: This course teaches you to think like an engineer when working with AI: designing, iterating, verifying, and reusing prompts so you get consistent, high-quality results every time. You'll start by looking inside the chatbot to understand how large language models work. From there, you'll learn to decide when to rely on AI, when to use traditional software, and when a task is better left to a human.
Introduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data Science
Estimated duration: 6 hours
Overview: This introductory course takes you inside the world of data science. You will learn the basics of data science, data analytics, and data engineering to understand how machine learning is shaping the future of business, healthcare, education, and more. Data science professionals who can provide actionable insights for data-driven decisions are in high demand all over the world.
Data Analytics Essentials
Data Analytics Essentials
Estimated duration: 30 hours
Overview: This data analytics essentials course teaches you the fundamental tools of a data analyst. You will learn to transform, organize, and visualize data with spreadsheet tools such as Excel. You will also learn how to query data from a relational database using SQL and how to improve your data presentations using powerful business intelligence tools like Tableau. By the end of the course, you will have an analytics portfolio complete with an analysis of the popular movies dataset, showcasing your skills in Excel, SQL and Tableau.
Core Generative AI Skills
Core Generative AI Skills
Estimated duration: 7 hours
Overview: In this course, you will learn what generative AI is, how it works, and how it can support everyday tasks such as writing, brainstorming, research, content creation, and projects. You explore large language models, image generators, and other AI tools used in workplaces. You also learn how to choose the right type of AI tool for a task and how to write clear prompts that lead to better results.
As you practice, you examine AI’s strengths and limitations, including inaccurate outputs, bias, privacy risks, and the need for human review. Through business scenarios, you see how AI can help solve workplace problems while still requiring your judgement.
Optimizing Generative AI
Optimizing Generative AI
Estimated duration: 7 hours
Overview: Take your generative AI skills beyond the basics and learn how to get more reliable results for professional tasks.
In this course, you will learn how to evaluate AI-generated text and images. You will practice identifying hallucinations, factual errors, bias, visual artifacts, and unsupported claims. You also learn when to refine an AI output and when it is better to start over.
You build advanced prompting skills by breaking complex tasks into smaller steps, guiding AI through multi-step workflows, and creating clear instructions for precise results. The course also introduces ways to use AI for data analysis, research, brainstorming, and understanding how AI connects with tools through APIs.
AI Power User Launchpad
AI Power User Launchpad
Estimated duration: 3 hours
Overview: Learn how to bring your AI skills into projects, team workflows, and leadership situations. In this course, you move from using AI for individual tasks to applying AI in team settings. You build an AI leadership action plan and explore how to communicate the value of AI to others. You also learn how to plan a focused AI pilot, define success metrics, manage risk, and address concerns related to quality, trust, and responsible use.
As you progress, you examine the human side of AI adoption, including team readiness, change management, stakeholder communication, governance, and collaboration.
Python Essentials 1
Python Essentials 1
Estimated duration: 30 hours
Overview: In this course, you will learn in-demand skills such as how to design, develop, and improve computer programs, methods for analyzing problems using programming, programming best practices, and more. The course also prepares you for the PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification (Exam PCEP-30-0x).
Data Science Essentials with Python
Data Science Essentials with Python
Estimated duration: 40 hours
Overview: Step into the world of data science, where you can turn raw numbers and information into compelling stories. In this project-based course, you’ll learn to use Python—along with two of its most popular tools, Pandas and Matplotlib—to explore, organize, and visualize data.
This beginner-friendly course starts with easy, hands-on activities and games that teach you the basics of working with data. You’ll then move on to real-world projects, where you can apply what you’ve learned to actual datasets. An AI assistant and step-by-step guidance will help you along the way.
Careers in AI & Data Science
Careers in AI & Data Science
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data science are the twin engines propelling us into a future of innovation, efficiency, and data-driven decision making – transforming industries and redefining how we work and live. Whether you’re AI-curious, an aspiring data scientist, or a technopreneur, read on to learn how you can take your career or venture to the next level.
Cisco Networking Academy has a range of high-quality resources to help you explore careers in AI & Data Science, as well as other areas such as Networking, Programming, and Cybersecurity.
Visit here for more information on AI & Data Science Careers: https://www.netacad.com/ai-data-science#careers-in-ai
Visit here for free career preparation resources including Discover Cisco: https://www.netacad.com/careers
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