The AI Skills Program: A Complimentary Learning Opportunity
In response to the escalating demand for AI competencies in the job market, Microsoft has joined forces with LinkedIn to provide complimentary AI education and certification. The initiative, known as the AI Skills Program, is accessible via LinkedIn Learning and is designed to empower individuals with the understanding and tools required to utilize AI technology in an ethical and responsible manner.
The AI Skills Program: A Free Learning Opportunity
The AI Skills Program is a novel educational offering developed jointly by Microsoft and LinkedIn. The program offers an introductory course on AI, with a focus on the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI. Initially available in English, the course is set to be translated into several other languages in the near future. Upon successful completion, learners will be awarded a professional certificate in generative AI from Microsoft, which can be showcased on their LinkedIn profiles. The program also includes a toolkit for educators with AI-related content and a no-cost AI skills challenge on Microsoft Learn. The course will remain free of charge until the end of 2025.
Course Details
The program, named “Essential Career Skills in Generative AI by Microsoft and LinkedIn,” comprises five instructional videos with a combined duration of nearly four hours. The videos dive into various topics, including an introduction to AI, generative AI, the evolution of thoughtful online search, optimizing work processes with Microsoft Bing Chat, and ethical considerations in the era of generative AI. To obtain the professional certificate, learners must view all the videos and pass a subsequent examination.
The Growing Demand for AI Proficiency
The AI Skills Program is designed to address a critical need for AI proficiency identified by businesses. The World Economic Forum ranks AI skills as the third most important area for corporate training programs. Microsoft’s studies reveal that while 70% of individuals would prefer AI to take on more of their workload, 49% fear that AI might take over their jobs. The AI Skills Program is designed to equip workers with the knowledge and experience needed to effectively use AI technologies.
Future Prospects
Microsoft’s Skills for Jobs initiative has already made a significant impact, reaching millions of individuals worldwide and helping them transition into new careers in sought-after fields such as cybersecurity. The AI Skills Program represents the next phase in this ongoing endeavor, with the promise of further advancements and collaborations on the horizon.
Source: LinkedIn
