Microsoft has made a number of Artificial intelligence-focused moves in the recent past. Last month, the tech giant announced that its Azure cloud services will be used to power the Alliance Intelligent Cloud. Just days before that, AI-business school - a free, non-technical online course was released by the company.
Now, Microsoft has revealed that, in collaboration with education-to-employment platform OpenClassrooms, it is launching a new masters-level online program to train students for AI jobs in the workplace.
The Redmond giant believes that, as per an estimate, around 30% of AI and data skills jobs will be left open due to a talent shortage in these departments. For this reason, the demand for well-trained AI professionals will only grow in importance. As such, the new program will provide project-based tasks specifically with regard to the kind of AI roles employers are looking for in potential hires. Microsoft feels that the model on which this program has been structures will provide employers with a "cost-efficient pipeline" for recruitment of skilled employees.
Jean-Philippe Courtois, Microsoft"s EVP and President of Global Sales, Marketing and Operations expressed the company"s delight at the new partnership, noting:
"As AI is changing the way we work and the nature of jobs, we have a responsibility to ensure graduates are prepared for the workplace of tomorrow. We are excited to partner with OpenClassrooms to help equip people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the digital economy."
Interestingly, students who manage to complete the program have been guaranteed a job within six months, such that if this does not turn out to be the case, they will be provided a full refund from OpenClassrooms. Furthermore, these students will also earn a masters-level diploma accredited in Europe through OpenClassrooms. Accreditation in the U.K. and the U.S. isn"t currently provided, however, the company is looking to reverse that soon.
These additional factors perhaps make it more of an attractive prospect for those who will be offered this opportunity. A total of 1,000 promising candidates will be recruited by OpenClassrooms throughout France, the U.K., and the U.S. for this program.