TL;DR:
- IBM commits to training 2 million individuals in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2026.
- Emphasis on underrepresented communities to address the global AI skills gap.
- Strategies include partnerships with universities, AI training for adult learners, and new generative AI coursework through IBM SkillsBuild.
- IBM Institute of Business Value survey highlights the need for workforce reskilling, particularly in entry-level positions.
- Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM’s Vice President & Chief Impact Officer, underscores the essentiality of AI skills for the future workforce.
- Collaboration with universities to provide faculty and students with AI training and resources.
- IBM SkillsBuild offers free coursework and enhanced features in generative AI education.
- Learners can earn IBM-branded digital credentials recognized by potential employers.
- This initiative builds upon IBM’s commitment to upskill 30 million people by 2030.
- IBM aims to address the global skills gap, particularly in AI and digitalization, across industries.
Main AI News:
In a resolute commitment to bridge the global artificial intelligence (AI) skills gap, IBM has made a groundbreaking announcement. By the close of 2026, the tech giant aspires to empower two million learners with proficiency in AI, with a special emphasis on underrepresented communities. In a bid to realize this ambitious endeavor on a global scale, IBM is redoubling its efforts by forging AI educational partnerships with universities worldwide, collaborating with esteemed associates to furnish AI training to adult learners, and launching an array of cutting-edge generative AI coursework through its revered IBM SkillsBuild program. This strategic initiative aims to augment IBM’s existing suite of programs and career-development platforms, thereby affording augmented accessibility to AI education and the coveted technical roles in this burgeoning field.
A recent global survey undertaken by the IBM Institute of Business Value has underscored the pressing need for reskilling, with executives estimating that a substantial 40% of their workforce must undergo reskilling in the next three years, particularly those occupying entry-level positions. This reinforces the burgeoning demand for new roles and skills driven by generative AI.
IBM’s Vice President & Chief Impact Officer, Justina Nixon-Saintil, highlighted the pivotal role of AI skills in shaping the future workforce, affirming, “AI skills will be essential to tomorrow’s workforce.” She further elucidated the company’s commitment to AI training, with a resolute pledge to reach two million learners within three years, while simultaneously expanding the scope of IBM SkillsBuild to collaborate extensively with universities and nonprofit organizations to propagate cutting-edge generative AI education across the globe.
Nurturing AI Competence in Universities
IBM has embarked on a monumental collaboration with universities worldwide to bolster AI competency, leveraging its extensive network of experts in the field. University faculty members will gain unfettered access to IBM-led training sessions, encompassing lectures and immersive skilling experiences, culminating in valuable certificates upon completion. Furthermore, IBM is poised to supply comprehensive courseware designed for faculty to integrate into their curricula, including self-paced AI learning modules. Complementing faculty training, IBM is extending its support to students by providing adaptable and flexible resources, including a treasure trove of free online courses delving into generative AI and the realm of Red Hat open source technologies.
Charting a Course for Free Generative AI Courses
IBM SkillsBuild is a pivotal platform through which learners across the globe can immerse themselves in AI education meticulously curated by IBM’s seasoned experts, offering insights into the latest advancements in cutting-edge technology. While IBM SkillsBuild already boasts a comprehensive repertoire of free coursework covering AI fundamentals, chatbots, and vital topics like AI ethics, the new generative AI roadmap introduces a spectrum of enriching coursework and enhanced features.
The generative AI coursework encompasses a diverse range of subjects, including Prompt-Writing, Initiating Machine Learning, Elevating Customer Service through AI, and Realizing Generative AI in Practical Scenarios. Enriched features within the IBM SkillsBuild learning ecosystem will encompass refinements in chatbot functionality, designed to provide unwavering support to learners throughout their educational journeys. Furthermore, learners will benefit from personalized learning paths meticulously tailored to their individual preferences and experiences.
All these courses are accessible to learners worldwide without any financial barriers. Upon successful completion, participants will have the privilege of earning prestigious IBM-branded digital credentials, widely acknowledged and valued by potential employers.
A Pinnacle of Commitment to Empower 30 Million by 2030
This pioneering initiative is an extension of IBM’s existing commitment to upskill a staggering 30 million individuals by 2030, addressing the exigent requirements of the contemporary workforce. Since its inception in 2021, over seven million learners have already enrolled in IBM courses. The global skills deficit remains a formidable impediment to the effective implementation of AI and digitalization across industries, transcending the domain of technology experts. To surmount this challenge, a comprehensive global perspective must be forged and put into action. IBM’s longstanding tradition of investing in the future of work is underscored by its unwavering dedication to making free online learning widely accessible, forging clear pathways to gainful employment, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to historically underrepresented communities in the tech sector, where the skills gap is most pronounced.
Conclusion:
IBM’s ambitious commitment to training 2 million individuals in artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on underrepresented communities, signals a strategic move to address the pressing global AI skills gap. By forging partnerships with universities, offering comprehensive AI training, and enhancing generative AI coursework through IBM SkillsBuild, IBM is positioning itself as a leader in talent development for the digital era. As organizations increasingly adopt AI and automation, this initiative ensures a more inclusive and skilled workforce, fostering innovation and competitiveness in the market. Moreover, IBM’s dedication to upskilling 30 million people by 2030 reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of work and overcoming the challenges posed by the skills gap in the technology industry.
