Microsoft Launches AI Skills Initiative and Grant Program to Empower Workforce and Address Skill Gaps

Microsoft has launched AI Skills Initiative as an integral component of its Skills for Jobs program to empower individuals and communities worldwide to utilize AI effectively. In collaboration with LinkedIn, Microsoft has developed complementary coursework to facilitate learning as part of this initiative. Additionally, a grant challenge has been introduced in partnership with data.org, inviting organizations to devise innovative approaches for training, upskilling, and reskilling workers in generative AI.

As per Microsoft’s recent Work Trend Index, AI holds tremendous potential to revolutionize how we work, especially considering the rapid pace at which information work surpasses our ability to cope. In India, the Index findings indicate that 76% of workers struggle with time and energy constraints while carrying out their tasks. Despite 74% expressing concerns about AI replacing their jobs, an even higher percentage of 83% would prefer delegating work to AI to reduce their workloads. In light of these findings, Microsoft’s AI Skills Initiative aims to address emerging skill gaps and alleviate digital debt, encompassing the overwhelming burden of data, information overload, and constant connectivity while fostering creativity.

Ms. Gunjan Patel, director and head – of Philanthropies Microsoft India, said, “AI skills represent the third-highest priority for companies’ training strategies, alongside analytical and creative thinking. AI has tremendous potential to empower workers. However, we need to ensure everyone has the skills to use it. The new AI Skills Initiative marks a new beginning that will build on a new wave of technology innovation.”

Microsoft, data.org, Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, and GitHub have jointly launched a global grant program to support organizations in training and empowering the workforce to use generative AI. The program aims to drive skilling and economic growth, focusing on fair and community-led implementations of generative AI among marginalized populations. Grantees will receive financial support, access to resources, and guidance from Microsoft and GitHub experts. Learn more at data.org/challenge.

Microsoft and LinkedIn have introduced an accessible learning pathway that offers introductory generative AI content. This coursework provides workers with a foundational knowledge of AI, including responsible AI frameworks, and grants them a Career Essentials certificate upon completion. This certificate is the first in the online learning market to focus on Generative AI.

According to a recent Nasscom report, India boasts the world’s second-largest AI talent pool, ranking first in AI skill penetration and AI talent concentration. However, despite having around 420,000 professionals, India still faces a 51% gap between the demand and supply of AI/ML big data analytics tech talent. Microsoft has been driving AI skilling and workforce readiness initiatives, training nearly 70,000 female students from Tier II and III towns in AI skills over the past two years.

Also read: Microsoft has partnered with MSDE to train youth in digital and cybersecurity skills https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/microsoft-has-partnered-with-msde-to-train-youth-in-digital-and-cybersecurity-skills/

As part of the Skills for Jobs program, this new initiative aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to equip individuals worldwide with digital skills. It complements other Skills for Jobs endeavours aimed at addressing cybersecurity and sustainability skills gaps. The AI Skills Initiative represents the first step in Microsoft’s commitment to enabling people everywhere to harness the potential of generative AI.