Cisco, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, SAP, others to train over 95 mn people in roles likely to be impacted by AI

US-based telecom gear maker Cisco, and top eight technology and consulting firms including Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP will upskill and reskill over 95 million individuals globally over the next 10 years in roles that are most likely to be impacted by artificial intelligence (AI).

The consortium members are among the leading technology companies that are innovating on the cutting-edge of AI and “understand the current and impending impact of AI on the workforce”, according to a joint media statement.

To this extent, the companies along with six advisors have launched the ‘AI-Enabled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Workforce Consortium’ which will enable them to “coalesce insights, recommend action plans, and activate findings within their respective broad spheres of influence”, according to a joint media statement.

In line with the consortium’s stated objectives, Cisco will train 25 million people with cybersecurity and digital skills by 2032, while IBM will skill 30 million inidviduals by 2030 in digital skills, including 2 million in AI. Intel will impart 30 million people with AI skills for jobs by 2030, whereas, Microsoft will train and certify 10 million people from underserved communities with in-demand digital skills for jobs in the digital economy by 2025.

SAP will upskill two million people worldwide by 2025, and Google has recently announced 25 million euros in funding to support AI training and skills for people across Europe.

“The Consortium is catalyzed by the work of the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council’s (TTC) Talent for Growth Task Force,” the companies said, adding that the consortium’s goal includes exploring the impact of AI on ICT jobs roles, enabling workers to find and access relevant training programs, and connecting businesses to “skilled and job-ready workers”.

“I am grateful to the consortium members for joining in this effort to confront the new workforce needs that are arising in the wake of AI’s rapid development. This work will help provide unprecedented insight on the specific skill needs for these jobs,” said US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

“AI is accelerating the pace of change for the global workforce, presenting a powerful opportunity for the private sector to help upskill and reskill workers for the future,” said Francine Katsoudas, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Cisco. “The mission of our newly unveiled AI-Enabled Workforce Consortium is to provide organizations with knowledge about the impact of AI on the workforce and equip workers with relevant skills.”

In its first phase, the grouping of the companies will evaluate the impact of AI on 56 ICT job roles and provide training recommendations for impacted jobs.

These job roles include 80% of the top 45 ICT job titles with the highest job postings between February 2023 to February 2024 in the US, and the top five European countries France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, according to Indeed Hiring Lab. Collectively, these countries account for a significant segment of the ICT sector, with a combined total of 10 million ICT workers.

“Consortium members universally recognize the urgency and importance of their combined efforts with the acceleration of AI in all facets of business and the need to build an inclusive workforce with family-sustaining opportunities. Consortium members commit to developing worker pathways particularly in job sectors that will increasingly integrate artificial intelligence technology,” the companies said in the joint statement.