Microsoft has introduced a program in collaboration with LinkedIn, offering free training in AI and granting professional certification to meet the growing demand for AI skills in the job market.
Key Points:
1. Microsoft has launched a free AI training course on LinkedIn.
2. The course includes certification and focuses on responsible AI usage.
3. There is a pressing need for professionals with AI skills in various companies.
Microsoft and LinkedIn have taken the initiative to address the increasing demand for AI skills in the workforce.
The AI Skills Initiative, available through LinkedIn Learning, is Microsoft’s endeavor to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and tools to harness the potential of AI technology.
Microsoft emphasizes the importance of learning to use AI responsibly and ethically, as it has the potential to improve lives and work.
The AI Skills Initiative aims to provide individuals with the required knowledge and prepare them for the future of work with AI.
Microsoft’s Free AI Training Course
The AI Skills Initiative by Microsoft includes newly developed, free coursework in collaboration with LinkedIn.
The course offers an introduction to AI and covers topics related to responsible AI usage. Initially available in English, the course will be offered in other languages in the upcoming months.
Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a professional certificate in generative AI from Microsoft, which can be showcased on their LinkedIn profiles.
Additional resources include a trainer toolkit with AI content for educators and free AI skills challenge on Microsoft Learn. The challenge focuses on teaching essential AI skills using Microsoft technology.
Microsoft has committed to making the coursework accessible for free until 2025.
Course Breakdown
The course, titled “Career Essentials in Generative AI by Microsoft and LinkedIn,” consists of five instructional videos with a total duration of nearly four hours.
The training videos cover the following topics:
1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
2. What is Generative AI?
3. Generative AI: The Evolution of Thoughtful Online Search
4. Streamlining Your Work with Microsoft Bing Chat
5. Ethics in the Age of Generative AI
To earn the professional certificate, participants must complete all the videos. The certification exam becomes accessible only after completing the entire training.
Once the exam is passed, participants can immediately access their certificate. They can then add it to their LinkedIn profile and share it with their professional network.
Urgent Need for AI Skills
Microsoft’s AI Skills Initiative addresses the urgent requirement for AI skills identified by companies.
According to the World Economic Forum, AI skills rank as the third highest priority for company training programs.
Microsoft’s research shows that while 70% of individuals desire AI to handle more of their workload, 49% are concerned about the possibility of AI replacing their jobs.
The AI Skills Initiative aims to assist workers in acquiring the necessary knowledge and experience to effectively utilize AI technologies.
Looking Ahead
Microsoft’s Skills for Jobs program has already helped millions of people worldwide in finding new careers in high-demand fields like cybersecurity.
The AI Skills Initiative represents the next phase of this ongoing effort, promising to bring further innovation and partnerships to the forefront.