Tech titans unite to upskill 95 million IT professionals in AI

In response to the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, a consortium comprising industry giants like Cisco, Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP have joined forces to form the consortium. This consortium, named the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium, aims to address the evolving landscape of AI, and prepare the global workforce for the challenges and opportunities it presents.

The primary objective of the consortium is to analyze the impact of AI on jobs within the ICT sector. Through a comprehensive analysis of 56 key ICT job roles, which represent the most advertised positions in the US and major European countries, the consortium aims to understand how AI is reshaping these roles and the skills required to thrive in this changing environment. By identifying these changes, the consortium can recommend targeted training programs to help workers adapt and acquire the necessary skills.

One of the distinguishing features of the consortium's approach is its commitment to inclusivity. Recognizing the diverse needs of stakeholders in the ICT ecosystem, including students, career changers, current IT professionals, businesses, and educators, the consortium aims to develop training programs that are accessible to all. By ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, the consortium seeks to equip a large workforce with the skills needed to succeed in the AI era.

The consortium members have set ambitious goals to positively impact over 95 million people globally within the next decade. These goals reflect the commitment of each member to contribute to the upskilling and reskilling of the global workforce. For instance, Cisco aims to train 25 million people in cybersecurity and digital skills by 2032, while IBM plans to equip 30 million individuals with digital skills by 2030, including 2 million in AI. Similarly, Intel aims to empower over 30 million people with AI skills by 2030, and Microsoft has committed to training and certifying 10 million people from underserved communities with digital skills by 2025. SAP has pledged to upskill two million people worldwide by 2025, and Google has recently committed EUR 25 million to support AI training initiatives in Europe.

The efforts of the consortium are not only aligned with the goals of individual companies but also with broader initiatives aimed at addressing the global skills gap. The consortium's collaboration with the US-EU Trade and Technology Council's Talent for Growth Task Force exemplifies this alignment. By working together with governments and other stakeholders, the consortium aims to ensure that everyone can benefit from the AI revolution. This collaborative approach underscores the tech industry's commitment to bridging the skills gap and preparing the workforce for the future of AI.

Conclusion:

The establishment of the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium marks a significant milestone in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the ICT sector. Through collaboration, inclusivity, and ambitious goals, the consortium aims to equip millions of people with the skills needed to thrive in the AI era. As AI continues to reshape the ICT landscape, initiatives like these will play a crucial role in ensuring that the global workforce remains prepared and adaptable in the face of technological change.