Three-quarters of Irish adults want AI literacy taught in schools

Results of Stem South West survey shows adults want coding and AI literacy on curriculum

STEM South West Large Company winners were Analog Devices, from left: Aine McCarthy, Dermot O'Keeffe, Olive Murphy, Justine McCormck and David O'Leary at the Stem South West awards at Cork County Hall. The event celebrated excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Stem) in the region.

Three-quarters of Irish adults believe coding and AI literacy should be taught in schools, with strong support even among groups most worried about changing job descriptions as a result of AI progression, according to a new survey 

The AI & Future skills national survey commissioned by Stem South West shows support for AI education cuts across demographics. Younger adults show a pragmatic outlook, with 79% of 18-24-year-olds concerned about job security with advances in AI, yet a majority still support the teaching of coding and AI skills in schools, particularly at junior secondary level (12-15 years).

Stem in the Community Initiative winners - Scoil Mhuire Junior School, Cork, from left; Patrick Doyle,, IDA and Juge; Naoimh RIordan and Katie O'Leary, Scoil Mhuire Junior School and Anita Maguire, UCC.

More than 75,000 people in the south-west work in Stem-related industries.

"This latest research shows that AI is at the forefront of our times, and there is strong demand for adoption in school. There’s a recognition that young people must be equipped with the skills to thrive in this new digital landscape," said Stem South West chair and managing director of advanced medical services Mary Good. 

"Our AI & Future skills survey have achieved in the past year and embrace the many opportunities of the future, while recognising the rapidly evolving global landscape and its challenges. Our AI & Future skills survey throws a focus on the opportunity for growth in education across science, technology, engineering, and maths as we prepare and adapt to changing demands in the workplace.” 

The Stem South West Awards honours organisations creating a proactive, inclusive, and supportive environment for Stem, both internally and through outreach initiatives. 

CompuCal Calibration Solutions based in Cork was named small/startup company of the year. Macom was named small to medium company of the year with Analog Devices winning the large company of the year. 

Awards for Stem Educational Initiative of the Year went to  Firies National School, Killarney (primary school); Coláiste Muire Crosshaven (secondary level), and STEM Teacher Internship Programme at third level.

The Stem in the Community Best Expo Exhibitors were Johnson & Johnson (large) and Reliance Inspirational (small).

The Stem Volunteer of the Year went to Shane Ruddle of Gilead. Mick Loftus of MTU was named  Cork Stem Person of the Year.

Patrick Doyle, IDA and judge; Eva Spillane, Mary O'Sullivan and Claire Doyle, all Firies NS and Ronan Hayes, Stem SW board members at the STEM South West awards ceremony at Cork County Hall.