New AI-Powered Skills Platform Launches to Support Jobs and Economic Transition in the Midlands

 

Athlone, Co. Westmeath,12 March 2026 – A groundbreaking new AI-powered digital platform designed to help workers and employers in the Midlands prepare for the future of work has been launched today in the Innovation & Collaboration Space, Mary Ward Centre, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone.

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), in its role as Managing Authority, welcomes the progress of the ReSHAPE initiative, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027. This project forms part of a broader programme of investment supporting economic and workforce transformation across the Midlands territory.

The following provides an update on recent activities and progress under the EU Just Transition Fund.

The ReSHAPE platform uses artificial intelligence to help individuals understand their existing skills, explore training opportunities and map pathways into emerging careers, empowering people to upskill, retrain and future-proof their livelihoods in a rapidly changing economy.

The platform represents a significant step forward in how skills are identified, validated and connected to training opportunities. By combining AI-assisted skills analysis with regional workforce development and education pathways, ReSHAPE provides a practical tool for individuals, employers and training providers to navigate the evolving labour market.

Developed to support the Midlands’ Just Transition through the EU Just Transition Fund, the platform also offers a model that could inform skills planning and workforce development nationally.

The Regional Skills Horizon and Pathways to Employment (ReSHAPE) project is a collaboration between Munster Technological University (MTU), Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and the University of Limerick (UL). It is a strategic initiative delivering education, training and skills development opportunities to support the economic development of part of the Midland’s EU Just Transition territory, focusing on Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath.

Developed in collaboration with industry and education partners, the platform connects learners, employers and training providers within a single ecosystem designed to align skills development with real workforce demand.

At its core, the platform enables users to undertake a skills audit, identify transferable capabilities and discover funded training opportunities aligned with regional and national economic needs. Employers can also use the platform to identify skills gaps within their organisations and plan workforce development strategies.

Using AI-assisted skills analysis and mapping based on recognised skills frameworks, the platform helps users better understand transferable skills and identify training pathways aligned with real labour market demand.

The initiative is expected to support thousands of learners across the Midlands in accessing training, exploring new career pathways and preparing for the evolving demands of modern industry, while also providing insights that can support future skills planning across Ireland.

 

Speaking at the launch, Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of Technological University of the Shannon, 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.”

 

Professor Maggie Cusack, President of Munster Technological University, said 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.”

Professor Shane Kilcommins, Acting President, University of Limerick, said the initiative demonstrates how collaboration across higher education institutions can deliver practical solutions for regional development.

“The ReSHAPE platform reflects a shared commitment across our institutions to support communities through economic transition. By harnessing technology and partnership, we can ensure individuals and businesses have the tools they need to adapt, grow and thrive.”

Industry leaders participating in the launch also highlighted the importance of skills development in addressing workforce challenges.

 

Stephen Kelly, Midland Steel, who joined a panel of industry and academic experts at the launch, said the platform represents an important step in supporting industry growth.

 

“Across manufacturing and technology sectors we are seeing rapid change in the skills required to remain competitive. Platforms like ReSHAPE provide a clear bridge between industry needs and education pathways, helping people understand where opportunities exist and how they can develop the skills needed to access them.”

The ReSHAPE launch also featured contributions from industry and technology leaders including Dr Fiona Boyle (Munster Technological University), Aisling Nolan (Mergon Group), and Dr Niall Colgan (TUS Athlone), who discussed how technology, manufacturing and engineering sectors are evolving and the importance of supporting workforce development through continuous upskilling and reskilling.

As the platform grows, ReSHAPE aims to strengthen collaboration between education providers, employers and communities — helping ensure the Midlands region remains competitive, resilient and future-ready.

The ReSHAPE platform is now live and accessible to employers and individuals seeking to upskill, retrain or explore career pathways and can be accessed at www.reshape.ie.