Microsoft has introduced the AI Skills Initiative, which aims to enable individuals and communities worldwide to acquire knowledge and expertise in utilizing AI effectively.
The initiative includes the development of new free courses in collaboration with LinkedIn.
Microsoft Introduces AI Skills; To Cover AI Related Topics
These courses will cover various topics related to AI, with the first Professional Certificate on Generative AI being offered in the online learning market.
In addition, there will be a global grant challenge organized in partnership with data.org, focused on exploring innovative methods of training workers in generative AI. Microsoft also plans to enhance access to free digital learning events and resources to enhance AI proficiency for everyone.
The decision to launch this initiative stems from the recognition that AI has the potential to revolutionize work processes, especially in light of the growing demand for information management and concerns about job displacement.
A significant percentage of respondents in Microsoft’s Work Trend Index survey expressed difficulty in finding information efficiently, along with apprehensions about job security. Many respondents also expressed a willingness to delegate tasks to AI systems to alleviate their workloads.
Microsoft Partners With LinkedIn For First Professional Cerificate on Generative AI
In a LinkedIn post, Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft Philanthropies, explained that the AI Skills Initiative is designed to address emerging skills gaps and enable workers worldwide to leverage the capabilities of AI. The initiative aims to transform skills training and provide access to new and free learning content.
As part of the initiative, Microsoft is partnering with LinkedIn Learning to offer the first Professional Certificate on Generative AI in the online learning market. The coursework covers fundamental AI concepts, and responsible AI frameworks, and successful completion of the assessment leads to a Career Essentials certificate.
The Generative AI Professional Certificate is currently available in English and will be launched in multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese, in the coming months. Like other Career Essentials Professional Certificates, this coursework will be freely accessible until 2025 through the Skills for Jobs program.
Overall, the AI Skills Initiative aims to leverage AI technology to revolutionize skills training and empower individuals to adapt to the changing demands of the digital age.
