Skillsoft Collaborates with Microsoft to Develop Generative AI Skilling Program

Rhea-AI Summary

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.

Positive

• 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.

Negative

• None.

Tech Expert

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 98% of participants in the initial pilot reported immediate applicability of the skills learned. This statistic suggests a high level of program efficacy, potentially leading to accelerated adoption of AI tools within organizations. This kind of targeted training can reduce the friction often associated with the introduction of new technologies and can drive faster ROI for businesses.

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.

Market Research Analyst

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 98% applicability rate, positions it favorably in the market.

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

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Skillsoft (NYSE: SKIL), a leading platform for transformative learning experiences, today announced a comprehensive generative AI (GenAI) skilling program developed in collaboration with Microsoft. Leveraging Skillsoft's AI Skill Accelerator, the program upskills organizations and their workforce to effectively use Microsoft AI — including Copilot and Azure Open AI — and GenAI technology more broadly to drive improved business productivity and innovation.

“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. 98% of learners participating in the initial pilot of the GenAI skilling program reported they can immediately apply the acquired knowledge and skills in their roles. Designed to advance organizations and their talent through critical phases of AI maturity in as few as 90 days, the program enables customers to:

• 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.

Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This document includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as the effectiveness of the GenAI skilling program, are forward-looking statements and may be based on current expectations, estimates or projections about our industry, management’s beliefs or certain assumptions made by management. Also, when we use words such as “may”, “will”, “would”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “project”, “forecast”, “seek”, “outlook”, “target”, “goal”, “probably”, or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Skillsoft’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and we caution you against unduly relying on these forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those described under “Risk Factors” in our Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, and subsequent periodic reports. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements included in our other periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as required by law.

Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and therefore also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be incorrect, and actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those projected in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240709844567/en/

Investors

Chad Lyne

chad.lyne@skillsoft.com

Media

Cameron Martin

cameron.martin@skillsoft.com

Source: Skillsoft

FAQ

What is Skillsoft's new AI skilling program?

Skillsoft, in collaboration with Microsoft, has launched a generative AI skilling program leveraging AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Azure Open AI.

When did Skillsoft announce their collaboration with Microsoft?

Skillsoft announced their collaboration with Microsoft to develop the generative AI skilling program recently.

What percentage of learners found Skillsoft's AI skilling program effective?

98% of learners in the initial pilot of Skillsoft's AI skilling program reported they could immediately apply the acquired knowledge.

How quickly can organizations advance through AI maturity with Skillsoft's program?

Skillsoft's program can help organizations progress through AI maturity phases in as few as 90 days.