Building on career progress with Generation Ireland

Microsoft is committed to driving forward prosperity in the communities where data centres operate; and through partnership with Generation, is able to help those who are under-employed or unemployed acquire skills needed for the most in-demand jobs in the digital economy. Four years ago, with support from Microsoft, Generation Ireland launched its first ever technology bootcamp, enrolling 26 local learners who faced varied barriers to achieving meaningful employment. Since then, the program has passed 650 learners, launched six programmes, built partnerships with employers, made over 300 job placements, and more. As they celebrate how far they have come, Generation Ireland also looks to the future with renewed focus and expanded goals.

Since the beginning of the partnership with Microsoft, Generation Ireland has recorded a 90% graduation rate among learners who participated in more than 30 bootcamps. These learners have achieved a 60–70% job placement rate within six months of bootcamp completion -providing graduates with an income uplift of two to three times the salary they would have otherwise made.

Preparing learners for long-term careers

Generation Ireland focuses not just on placing graduates into jobs but also preparing them for longevity in their careers. Ninety-five percent of graduated learners reported feeling “more positive” about their futures and career opportunities with the foundation they built through Generation Ireland. After following up with graduates, 79% had continued job retention for at least one year after completing the course.

“We want to see them in roles where they can grow, succeed, and build lasting careers,” the 2024 Generation Ireland Impact Report stated. The programmes target a myriad of technical roles including data analytics, cloud engineering, and IT support. The average reported starting salary post-graduation, €31,000, is nearly double what the typical income was for learners before they enrolled in Generation courses.

Helping graduates transition into work

Patrick, a graduate who now works in IT support as a User Operations Specialist, was unemployed for about two years before completing the Generation bootcamp.

“Prior to Generation I had very little real education,” Patrick said. “The bootcamp had a massive impact on me. Learning how to socialize again… was a huge struggle and I know for a fact if I had gone into a workplace without having been through the bootcamp it would have been an entirely different experience. I definitely have a much more positive outlook moving forward.”

More than 170 employers across Ireland have hired Generation graduates, helping to improve non-traditional hiring channels that promote diversity within candidates. Demographics for Generation learners have shown that chances of securing a job are largely the same despite differences in gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic backgrounds, age, or previous employment status.

Another graduate, Patrick, wanted a job in technology but struggled to get hired due to his lack of experience in the field. Through Generation, he gained not only the technical training he needed to secure a job but also the personal growth that boosted his confidence and allowed him to picture his career as a long-term investment.

“Mentally, physically, financially – everything is better,” Patrick said in the Impact Report. “The level of training is better than any I’ve experienced, and the opportunities at the end are excellent.”

Building toward the future

Continuing the productive partnership that Microsoft and Generation have enjoyed – a new series of six-month AI, cyber security and IT support bootcamps launched in spring 2025, providing ever expanding opportunities for learners.

Looking ahead, Generation Ireland remains focused on building potential for graduates and prioritizing employer partnerships. The program hopes to reach more learners by continuing to diversify their skill offerings, addressing technology gaps, aligning with local job market needs, and extending into new cities.