Read a very interesting report recently by Randstad highlighting that demand for AI skills has increased 5-fold since 2023. However, only 22% of Baby Boomers have been offered AI skilling opportunities, compared to 28% of Gen X, 43% of Millennials, and 45% of Gen Z workers.
I feel, this is also because younger generations interact with technology much more easily .. it's further creating a gap, and could limit India's potential of leveraging its strongest resource - human population.
India, if it has to become the largest talent nation, we have to have to prioritise AI-led upskilling for all - freshers or even senior professionals - because it's no longer about a choice and no longer can we become the fence-sitters. Jobs are evolving - recruiters are seeking talent that could seamlessly leverage AI / tools for enhanced business output. Innovation is also encouraging smarter and stronger partnerships.
upGrad & Microsoft have come together to equip about 1Mill STEM professionals by next under the '𝐔&𝐀𝐈' 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 - setting a very sharp example for the ecosystem on why we need more of such cross-border collaborations.
We will leverage the combined strengths of both orgs - where learners will benefit from high-quality, self-paced, instructor-led content from upGrad and VoD lessons delivered by industry experts, alongside Microsoft Learn, Applied Skills training, Labs, and masterclasses by Microsoft’s AI specialists. Hands-on pedagogy with fundamentals to empower professionals to use these applications at work. The program will also be converted into vernacular languages, at a later stage.
2025 is getting better and continues to set the right growth tone for the months to come.
Ronnie Screwvala Phalgun Kompalli Srirup Mitra Srikanth Iyengar
