IBM wants to help close the global artificial intelligence (AI) skills gap and has announced a commitment to train two million learners in the technology by the end of 2026, with a focus on underrepresented communities.
► Focus will be on underrepresented communities
► AI training being offered for universities
► UK government promises £500m backing for AI
Separately, the UK government has promised to invest an additional £500 million in the AI sector alongside tax reforms and educational investments aimed at boosting the tech sector. These were announced as part of the recent Autumn Statement.
IBM is expanding AI education collaborations with universities, collaborating with partners to deliver AI training to adult learners, and launching new generative AI coursework through its IBM SkillsBuild platform.
Implementing AI and automation will require 40% of their workforce to reskill over the next three years
According to a recent global study by IBM Institute of Business Value, executives estimate that implementing AI and automation will require 40% of their workforce to reskill over the next three years, mostly those in entry-level positions. This further reinforces that generative AI is creating a demand for new roles and skills.
IBM is collaborating with universities at a global level to build capacity around AI leveraging IBM's network of experts. 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 the 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.
Through IBM SkillsBuild, learners across the world can benefit from AI education developed by IBM experts to provide the latest in cutting edge technology developments. IBM SkillsBuild already offers free coursework in AI fundamentals, chatbots, and crucial topics such as AI ethics. The new 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 the 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 the world. At course completion, participants will be able to earn IBM-branded digital credentials that are recognized by potential employers.
The enhanced partner version can also provide access to workshops, expert coaches and mentors, project-based learning and IBM software
IBM SkillsBuild is a free education programme focused on underrepresented communities in tech aimed at adult learners and students. It includes an online platform and customised practical learning delivered through a global network of partners. An open version IBM SkillsBuild is available online, offering over 1,000 courses in 20 languages on AI, cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing and other technical disciplines and workplace skills. The enhanced partner version can also provide access to workshops, expert coaches and mentors, project-based learning and IBM software.
UK government ploughs more into making UK an ‘AI powerhouse’
The UK government announcement will see an additional £500 million ploughed into computing infrastructure and innovation for AI over the next two years. There will also be tax reforms and educational investments aimed at bolstering the UK tech sector.
The additional funding will take the total planned investment in IT to more than £1.5 billion
More innovation centres will be set up with the goal of making the UK ‘an AI powerhouse’ and the new AI Safety Institute will receive initial funding of £100 million investment. Within this, there was also a promise of more money for the building of supercomputers.
According to the government, the additional funding will take the total planned investment in IT to more than £1.5 billion, helping to support start-ups and the development of new AI models.
According to the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, the UK’s AI sector already contributes around £3.7 billion to the economy and employs around 50,000 people.
