Microsoft and Pearson have announced a strategic collaboration to help address the challenge of "Skilling for the era of AI", which, according to them, is one of the top challenges organisations are facing globally. "The partnership will focus on providing employers, workers and learners with new AI-powered products and services to help prepare the current and future workforce across industries for the era of work in an AI-driven economy," Microsoft said in a post on January 14, 2025.
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Combining Expertise
By combining Microsoft's cloud and AI technologies with Pearson's expertise in learning and assessment, the partnership will create personalised learning experiences at scale. Pearson will integrate Microsoft Azure's AI capabilities into its content, certification, and upskilling services, enabling millions of learners to enhance their skills.
"A global IDC survey found that a lack of skilled workers is the biggest challenge for enterprises implementing AI technology within their organisations. The 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report from Microsoft and LinkedIn also found that 66 percent of leaders say they wouldn't hire someone without AI skills. Pearson's Skills Outlook: Reclaim the Clock research shows generative AI can help US workers save 78 million hours a week on the routine and repetitive tasks that often fill their day and can lead to burnout," Microsoft said.
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New AI Credentials and Certifications
The collaboration will also launch new AI credentials and certifications, helping people develop key technical skills for AI roles. Additionally, Microsoft will extend its partnership with Pearson VUE through 2029 to provide cloud and Office certifications, benefiting learners and professionals globally.
Pearson plans to implement Microsoft 365 Copilot across its global workforce to boost productivity, efficiency, and creativity.
"After having piloted and tested Microsoft 365 Copilot, Pearson will expand its use by deploying it to its global workforce. This is part of an ongoing effort to introduce workplace AI tools that enhance efficiency, creativity, and productivity and drive better operational performance," Microsoft added.
The partnership builds on both companies' efforts to tackle the skills gap in AI. In 2024, Microsoft trained over 23 million people in digital skills, while Pearson launched a Generative AI Foundations certification to equip professionals and students with essential skills needed to work with gen AI technologies.
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Tackling the AI Skills Gap Together
Pearson's CEO Omar Abbosh, said, "AI is driving a true revolution in education and work, and we must reinvent the way people learn to meet this crucial moment. Partnering with Microsoft means we can reach more learners than ever before. By blending Microsoft's AI leadership and Pearson’s trusted enterprise skilling and learning services, we can bring enterprise learners precisely what they need to forge ahead in their careers and help them realise the life they imagine. This new chapter with Microsoft is yet another way we are building on our commitment to expand AI in our products and sharpen our focus on the enterprise market."
Judson Althoff, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Microsoft, said, "The speed and scale of today's AI innovation present an opportunity for organisations across industries to accelerate AI Transformation. As AI investments increase, the demand for training and support to enable effective and responsible use of AI has never been greater. We are thrilled to partner with Pearson to help global enterprises develop learning experiences that empower employees with the AI skills needed to help advance their careers and achieve more."
