04 May 2026
Northern Ireland Minister sets skills priorities to AI Advisory Panel
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has chaired the inaugural meeting of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Panel, established to help shape Northern Ireland’s AI future and support a coordinated response to the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
The Panel brings together experts from industry, academia and government, with an initial focus on supporting the recommendations outlined in the Matrix foresight study ‘AI and the Future of Work in Northern Ireland’. Skills, ethical governance and infrastructure have all been identified as key priority areas.
The work aligns closely with the Department for the Economy’s wider AI Strategic Direction and the Minister’s Economic Vision, which aims to boost productivity, support regional balance, create quality jobs and contribute towards decarbonisation.
Speaking at the first meeting, the Minister highlighted both the transformative potential of AI and the practical challenges surrounding workforce readiness, ethical implementation and digital infrastructure. Northern Ireland’s existing strengths in software, cyber security, data and analytics were also recognised, alongside initiatives such as the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre, which is supporting local businesses to adopt and understand AI.
For the careers profession, this signals an important shift in the policy and skills landscape. With AI-related revenue in Northern Ireland already estimated at £188 million and more than 2,000 AI roles projected by 2028, AI literacy is increasingly becoming part of mainstream career development conversations rather than a specialist topic.
CDI members across Northern Ireland may wish to consider how developments in AI could influence:
There is also a significant opportunity for the careers profession to contribute to this evolving agenda. Practitioners working directly with young people, adults and career changers are already seeing the impact of AI on the workplace in real time, and this practice-based insight has an important role to play in shaping future implementation and support strategies.
As AI continues to reshape industries and career pathways, ensuring that career development professionals remain informed, adaptable and confident in discussing AI will become increasingly important across education, employability and workforce development settings.
Read more about the Northern Ireland AI Advisory Panel.
The Panel brings together experts from industry, academia and government, with an initial focus on supporting the recommendations outlined in the Matrix foresight study ‘AI and the Future of Work in Northern Ireland’. Skills, ethical governance and infrastructure have all been identified as key priority areas.
The work aligns closely with the Department for the Economy’s wider AI Strategic Direction and the Minister’s Economic Vision, which aims to boost productivity, support regional balance, create quality jobs and contribute towards decarbonisation.
Speaking at the first meeting, the Minister highlighted both the transformative potential of AI and the practical challenges surrounding workforce readiness, ethical implementation and digital infrastructure. Northern Ireland’s existing strengths in software, cyber security, data and analytics were also recognised, alongside initiatives such as the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre, which is supporting local businesses to adopt and understand AI.
For the careers profession, this signals an important shift in the policy and skills landscape. With AI-related revenue in Northern Ireland already estimated at £188 million and more than 2,000 AI roles projected by 2028, AI literacy is increasingly becoming part of mainstream career development conversations rather than a specialist topic.
CDI members across Northern Ireland may wish to consider how developments in AI could influence:
- careers education and curriculum delivery
- labour market information and future skills discussions
- CPD planning and professional practice
- support for adults navigating career transition and reskilling
There is also a significant opportunity for the careers profession to contribute to this evolving agenda. Practitioners working directly with young people, adults and career changers are already seeing the impact of AI on the workplace in real time, and this practice-based insight has an important role to play in shaping future implementation and support strategies.
As AI continues to reshape industries and career pathways, ensuring that career development professionals remain informed, adaptable and confident in discussing AI will become increasingly important across education, employability and workforce development settings.
Read more about the Northern Ireland AI Advisory Panel.
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