AI-Centered Learning on the Horizon as Accenture Acquires Udacity

According to reports, as it purchases Udacity, a pioneer in digital education that primarily provides a hybrid between distant learning and in-person instruction, Accenture is looking to train employees on the ins and outs of artificial intelligence (AI) using Learnvantage.

More than 230 Udacity professionals are expected to join Accenture LearnVantage as a result of the acquisition, which has the potential to propel AI-centered learning into the mainstream. LearnVantage's all-inclusive technology learning and training services enable Accenture's clients to retrain and upskill their workforce in data, artificial intelligence, and technology, enabling them to change their businesses and create greater value.

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Microsoft researchers and their colleagues from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have used artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a battery that utilizes less lithium.

Accenture's Learnvantage is intended to assist executives in various companies and government agencies in promptly identifying the skills gaps that are being produced by technological advancements and then offering the industry-specific training required to quickly and effectively close those gaps.

This entails providing a broad spectrum of technical and business users with highly customized learning experiences. For instance, IT staff can obtain specialized training in AI and data science, cloud computing, and cyber security, while business leaders, board members, and C-suite members might receive training in generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI).

Booming AI Economy

In response to the growing need for technical know-how, particularly in generative AI, the business has chosen to invest $1 billion over three years in Accenture LearnVantage and acquire Udacity. Additionally, Accenture hopes to help its clients by leveraging its wealth of training and experience.

In the middle of the expanding AI economy, Accenture thinks there is a demand for upskilling workers with AI-centered courses. The company found that 51% of organizations are starting to feel the effects of growing shortages in IT skills, and business leaders cite their inability to upskill their workforces as their top concern.

Furthermore, only 5% of businesses offer generative AI training on a large scale, despite the fact that 94% of workers indicate they would like to learn new skills to work with the technology. According to Techcrunch, regulatory scrutiny and antitrust control would be applied to Accenture's acquisition of Udacity.

AI Upskilling

The AI economy is still growing, especially after Microsoft President Brad Smith called AI the most important invention of the modern era. In an effort to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) remain competitive and keep up with the changing demands of the digital economy, Microsoft, like Accenture, recently announced plans to upskill its workforce in the context of the AI economy.

Microsoft Singapore and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) also announced that they will be collaborating closely to accelerate the data and AI capabilities of the local workforce. Free courses will be offered for the next two years to assist 2,000 SMEs in gaining the fundamental knowledge and abilities needed for data use and protection.

Since 2020, Microsoft has been upskilling employees for the AI economy as part of its capacity-building efforts to have a qualified workforce in critical industries by 2030.