Justina Nixon-Saintil of IBM
IBM has announced a commitment to train two million learners in AI (artificial intelligence) by end of 2026, with a focus on underrepresented communities. To achieve this goal at a global scale, IBM is expanding AI education collaborations with universities globally, collaborating with partners to deliver AI training to adult learners, and introducing generative AI coursework through IBMskillsbuild. This will expand upon IBM’s existing programmes and career-building platforms to offer enhanced access to AI education and in-demand technical roles.
According to a recent global study conducted by IBM Institute of business value, surveyed executives estimate that implementing AI and automation will require 40% of their workforce to reskill over upcoming three years, mostly those in entry-level positions. This further reinforces that generative AI is creating a demand for different roles and skills.
“AI skills will be essential to tomorrow’s workforce. That’s why we are investing in AI training, with a commitment to reach two million learners in three years, and expanding IBM SkillsBuild to collaborate with universities and nonprofits on new generative AI education for learners all over the world.” says Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM vice president & chief impact officer.
AI training for universities
IBM is collaborating with universities at a global level to build capacity around AI leveraging IBM’s network of personnels. University faculty will have access to IBM-led training such as lectures and immersive skilling experiences, including certificates upon completion. Also, IBM will provide courseware for faculty to use in classroom, including self-directed AI learning paths. In addition to faculty training, IBM will offer students flexible and adaptable resources, including free, online courses on generative AI and Red Hat open source technologies.
Roadmap of recent, free course offerings in generative AI
Through IBM SkillsBuild, learners across world can benefit from AI education developed by IBM personnels to provide recent advanced technology developments. IBM skillsbuild already offers free coursework in AI fundamentals, chatbots, and crucial topics such as AI ethics. The generative AI roadmap includes coursework and enhanced features.
- Coursework includes prompt-writing, getting started with machine learning, improving customer service with AI, and generative AI in action.
- AI-enhanced features within IBM skillsbuild learning experience will include chatbot improvements to help support learners throughout their journeys, and tailored learning paths based on each learner’s personal preferences and experiences.
These courses are all completely free and available to learners around world. At course completion, participants will be able to earn IBM-branded digital credentials that are recognised by potential employers.
This effort builds on IBM’s existing commitment to skill 30 million people by 2030, and is intended to address urgent needs facing present workforce. Since 2021, over 7 million learners have enrolled in IBM courses. Worldwide, the skills gap presents a major obstacle to application of AI and digitalisation, across industries, and beyond technology personnels. This requires a complete world view to be developed and implemented. IBM’s legacy of investing in future of work includes making free online learning available, with clear pathways to employment, and a focus on historically underrepresented communities in tech, where skills gap is enlarge.
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