Excerpt from Times of India Article, Published on Apr 10, 2024
In a monumental partnership, tech titans such as Cisco, Google, IBM, Microsoft, and others have forged an alliance to inaugurate the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium. Spearheaded by industry leaders including Cisco, Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP, this consortium aims to redefine the global tech landscape by equipping a staggering 95 million IT professionals with essential AI skills.
At its core, the consortium seeks to dissect the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on 56 pivotal Information and Communication Technology (ICT) job roles. These roles, meticulously selected as the most in-demand positions across the US and major European nations, serve as the linchpin for understanding the evolving dynamics of the industry.
With a resolute commitment to inclusivity, the consortium endeavors to craft comprehensive training programs accessible to a diverse spectrum of stakeholders. Whether it’s students, career switchers, seasoned IT professionals, businesses, or educators, the overarching objective remains unchanged: to arm individuals with the requisite skills to navigate the AI-centric future.
The scope of ambition displayed by consortium members is nothing short of astounding. With a collective aim to positively impact over 95 million individuals globally within the next decade, each member company has delineated its distinct contribution towards this shared mission:
- Cisco pledges to empower 25 million individuals with cybersecurity and digital proficiency by 2032.
- Google endeavors to equip 30 million individuals with digital acumen by 2030, including 2 million in AI.
- IBM commits to fostering AI proficiency in over 30 million individuals by 2030.
- Microsoft vows to certify 10 million individuals from underserved communities with digital skills by 2025.
- Intel is dedicated to upskilling two million individuals worldwide by 2025.
- SAP recently earmarked EUR 25 million to bolster AI training initiatives in Europe.
Furthermore, the consortium’s endeavors seamlessly align with the US-EU Trade and Technology Council’s Talent for Growth Task Force. This collaborative venture between governmental entities and the private sector is steadfastly dedicated to ensuring that all stakeholders reap the dividends of the AI revolution.
In essence, this initiative epitomizes the tech industry’s unwavering resolve to bridge the skills chasm and fortify the global workforce for the inexorable march towards an AI-driven future. As humanity embarks on this transformative odyssey, the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a more prosperous and inclusive tomorrow.
To delve deeper into this topic, please read the full article on Times of India