Dive Brief:
- Microsoft, Google, IBM, Intel, SAP and Cisco plan to collectively train nearly 100 million technology workers over the next ten years to mitigate AI’s disruption to the workforce, the companies said Friday in an announcement.
- The group, which includes Accenture, Eightfold and Indeed, plans to evaluate the impact of AI on 56 information and communication technology job roles and provide training recommendations. The findings, which will be released in a report, intend to offer practical insights for employers.
- The efforts are part of a Cisco-led consortium focused on assessing AI’s impact on technology jobs, identifying skills development pathways and training workers. More details on the initiative are expected to arrive in the coming months.
Dive Insight:
No matter the business, project success hinges on having the digital, data science and AI skills in place to properly build, manage, deploy and monitor generative AI models and tools.
Acquiring AI skills is a feat for most enterprises.
Organizations are working to reel in top talent by rethinking strategies and benefits. The White House initiated a hiring push to fortify its AI talent pool last month. As part of the initiative, the Office of Personnel Management issued agency guidance on pay, work and leave flexibilities for AI roles in order to improve retention.
Ultimately, the supply of AI talent is far less than the demand, pushing salaries upwards. Potential candidates with generative AI skills can expect a nearly 50% salary bump compared to jobseekers without the skills, according to a February Indeed survey.
The combined impact of a tight talent market and competition for skills is driving organizations to invest in training.
While workers across the enterprise require fact-checking and safety guidance to use AI tools effectively, IT has to prepare for the challenges of managing AI workloads.
The stakes are high. Nearly all IT workers and technology executives say AI initiatives will fail without skilled teams, according to a Pluralsight report.
