Dive Brief:
- A new partnership between Microsoft and OpenClassrooms aims to train students in the U.S., France and the U.K. for artificial intelligence jobs. The collaboration will push to recruit 1,000 students for a "masters-level online program" intended to upskill learners for high-tech roles, according to an announcement.
- Combining OpenClassrooms' programming with content from Microsoft, the training will include project-based tasks tailored to help talent meet businesses' AI needs.
- OpenClassrooms guaranteed students will get a job within six months of completing the program — or they will receive a full refund. The master's-level diploma is accredited throughout Europe, but OpenClassroom is seeking U.K. and U.S. accreditation, the statement said.
Dive Insight:
Nearly one-third of enterprises are investing in more than $50 million in intelligent automation solutions, including AI. But splintered strategies and an unreliable talent pipeline are causing a delay in adoption.
More industries are looking to weave in advanced technologies like AI, placing pressure on the already taxed AI talent pipeline. Universities have responded with investments, but demand far exceeds supply.
Last year, Microsoft announced it was to be a founding member — along with Boeing, McKinsey & Company and others — of the Rework America Business Network, an alliance aimed at "[accelerating] the development and adoption of innovative hiring and training practices."
Its most recent partnership with OpenClassroom is just the latest in a laundry list of organizations partnering to provide upskilling solutions for employers struggling with a talent drought.
Microsoft partnered with Boeing and Accenture to create the Internet of Learning Consortium to upskill workers, and another partnership between Harvard Business Publishing an Degreed created a platform to allow employers to customize coursework and employees to share accomplishments and informative content with co-workers.
Microsoft also paired up with freelancer platform Upwork recently to help employers source freelancers and better access their skill sets.
