Skillsoft and Microsoft launch AI skilling programme to boost workforce productivity

10 Jul

Skillsoft has announced a partnership with Microsoft to launch a generative AI skilling programme.

Skillsoft's research indicates that 57% of C-Suite executives believe their teams lack sufficient AI skills. As generative AI technology advances, there is a growing need for businesses and employees to develop expertise in AI programming, machine learning, and data science.

The team-up will equip organisations and their workforce with skills to utilise Microsoft AI tools, including Copilot and Azure Open AI, to enhance productivity and innovation.

Ron Hovsepian, Executive Chair of Skillsoft, emphasised the importance of AI in business:

"Generative AI brings limitless opportunity to organisations. We're seeing this firsthand through Skillsoft's internal adoption of Copilot for Microsoft 365 and its potential to enhance our efficiency, creativity, and ability to achieve key business objectives. However, realising these benefits at scale requires a skilled workforce that understands how to apply the technology in day-to-day work.

“This collaboration with Microsoft is the first of many AI learning experiences we will deliver to help our customers and their talent – from everyday end-users to business leaders to AI developers – acquire the skills and tools they need to succeed in the age of AI."

The GenAI skilling programme, powered by Skillsoft's AI Skill Accelerator, offers a blended learning experience. This includes on-demand courses, 1:1 and group coaching, live Instructor-Led Training (ILT), and hands-on practice labs.

Early results from the pilot programme show that 98% of participants can immediately apply the skills they have learned in their roles.

The programme aims to advance organisations through critical phases of AI maturity in as few as 90 days. Key features include:

Assessing AI Skills: Using Skillsoft’s Skill Benchmarks to evaluate the current state of AI-related technology and leadership skills across the workforce.
Indexing Skills: Making data-driven decisions about where talent can drive strategic business outcomes with AI through Skillsoft’s dashboards.
Developing AI Skills: Building AI capabilities through training methods powered by Microsoft's Azure Open AI, such as Skillsoft’s AI-powered coach, CAISY™.
Reassessing Skills: Conducting post-training benchmarks to identify and address skills gaps effectively.

Jeana Jorgensen, Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Learning at Microsoft, highlighted the shared goals of the partnership:

"Microsoft and Skillsoft have a long-standing relationship and share a common goal to enable AI transformation across every area of business. This learning experience is designed to empower individuals and organisations to harness the full capabilities of generative AI, Microsoft Copilot, and Microsoft's AI apps and services. It aims to spark innovation among our customers, potentially giving them a competitive edge in their respective fields."

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