Skillsoft Collaborates with Microsoft to Develop Generative AI Skilling Program
Skillsoft (NYSE: SKIL) has announced a collaborative initiative with Microsoft to develop a generative AI (GenAI) skilling program. Leveraging Skillsoft's AI Skill Accelerator, the program aims to enhance business productivity and innovation through AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Azure Open AI. The blended learning experience includes on-demand courses, personalized coaching, live Instructor-Led Training (ILT), and hands-on practice labs. An initial pilot reported 98% of learners were able to apply new skills immediately. The program progresses organizations through AI maturity phases in as few as 90 days, offering tools for assessing and developing AI-related skills across the workforce. Skillsoft's internal use of Copilot demonstrates potential efficiency and creativity gains. Microsoft's Jeana Jorgensen highlights the partnership's goal of enabling AI transformation across businesses.
- Skillsoft's AI Skill Accelerator includes on-demand courses, personalized coaching, live ILT, and practice labs.
- 98% of pilot program participants reported immediate application of new AI skills.
- The program can advance AI maturity in as few as 90 days.
- Collaboration with Microsoft leverages advanced AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Azure Open AI.
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Insights
Skillsoft's new collaboration with Microsoft to develop a comprehensive generative AI skilling program is a notable development in the realm of technology and business productivity. This initiative leverages Microsoft's Copilot and Azure Open AI services, highlighting their practical applications in everyday business environments. The introduction of a blended learning experience — including on-demand courses, live training sessions and hands-on labs — is a strategic move to ensure that users can effectively integrate these advanced tools into their workflows.
A key takeaway is how
However, it is important to consider the scalability of this program. While the success of the pilot is promising, the ability of Skillsoft and Microsoft to maintain these high levels of effectiveness across a broader, more diverse user base remains to be seen. Additionally, the program's success is contingent upon continuous updates to keep pace with the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The collaboration between Skillsoft and Microsoft to offer an AI skilling program reflects a growing market demand for AI competency across various industries. This initiative aligns with broader trends where companies are increasingly looking to upskill their workforce in AI to stay competitive. The program’s focus on practical application and immediate impact, as evidenced by the
From a broader market perspective, this collaboration could strengthen Skillsoft's market position as a leader in transformative learning. Partnering with a tech giant like Microsoft not only adds credibility but could also open up new revenue streams and customer segments for Skillsoft. Moreover, for Microsoft, it presents an opportunity to accelerate the adoption of their AI tools, potentially driving increased usage of their ecosystem.
However, the program's ultimate success will depend on its reception and adoption by key market segments. Companies will need to see clear and measurable benefits from their investment in AI training. As such, Skillsoft’s ability to provide concrete data on improved business outcomes post-training will be crucial.
Blended learning experience accelerates organizational adoption of AI tools including Microsoft Copilot
“Generative AI brings limitless opportunity to organizations. We're seeing this firsthand through Skillsoft's internal adoption of Copilot for Microsoft 365 and its potential to enhance our efficiency, creativity, and ability to achieve key business objectives," said Ron Hovsepian, Executive Chair, Skillsoft. "However, realizing these benefits at scale requires a skilled workforce that understands how to apply the technology in day-to-day work. This collaboration with Microsoft is the first of many AI learning experiences we will deliver to help our customers and their talent – from everyday end-users to business leaders to AI developers – acquire the skills and tools they need to succeed in the age of AI.”
Skillsoft's AI Skill Accelerator provides a blended learning experience including on-demand courses, 1:1 and group coaching, live Instructor-Led Training (ILT), and hands-on practice labs.
- Assess the current state of AI-related technology and leadership skills across the workforce through Skillsoft’s Skill Benchmarks;
- Index skills to make data-driven decisions about where talent can drive strategic business outcomes with AI through Skillsoft’s dashboards;
- Develop AI skills rapidly through emerging training methods powered by Microsoft's Azure Open AI, such as Skillsoft’s AI-powered coach, CAISY™; and
- Reassess existing talent and skills gaps through post-training benchmarks to put the right people in the right roles at the right time.
“Microsoft and Skillsoft have a long-standing relationship and share a common goal to enable AI transformation across every area of business,” commented Jeana Jorgensen, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Learning, Microsoft. “This learning experience is designed to empower individuals and organizations to harness the full capabilities of generative AI, Microsoft Copilot, and Microsoft's AI apps and services. It aims to spark innovation among our customers, potentially giving them a competitive edge in their respective fields.”
Learn more about Skillsoft’s AI Skill Accelerator and the GenAI skilling program here.
About Skillsoft
Skillsoft (NYSE: SKIL) delivers transformative learning experiences that propel organizations and people to grow together. The Company partners with enterprise organizations and serves a global community of learners to prepare today’s employees for tomorrow’s economy. With Skillsoft, customers gain access to blended, multimodal learning experiences that do more than build skills, they grow a more capable, adaptive, and engaged workforce. Through a portfolio of best-in-class content, a platform that is personalized and connected to customer needs, world-class tech and a broad ecosystem of partners, Skillsoft drives continuous growth and performance for employees and their organizations by overcoming critical skill gaps and unlocking human potential.
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Source: Skillsoft
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