📱 AI and Digital Skills #1
HolonIQ is tracking reskilling and upskilling efforts to meet the rising demand for AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity skills. As these fields evolve, continuous learning is key to staying competitive and building a future-ready workforce.
This week in the AI and the digital labor market, the Global Labour Resilience Index highlighted AI-driven labor shifts, widening inequality, and fueling job creation in the US while also contributing to wage disparities and job displacement globally. Workday laid off 8.5% of its workforce to focus on AI-driven growth, incurring high restructuring costs. Meanwhile, the Union Budget announced plans to prioritize skills, growth, and tax relief, with AI skilling initiatives set for 2025 to bolster India’s tech leadership.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) granted Azerbaijan $500,000 to enhance digital skills in its railway sector, supporting ADY’s transformation through IT talent attraction and demand-driven training. Additionally, Scaler aims to upskill 3,000 AI/ML professionals by 2027 to bridge India’s talent gap through projects, industry partnerships, and expert mentorship. Finally, Nigeria launched Deeptech_Ready to upskill 20,000 youth in AI and Data Science, supported by a Google.org grant as part of Africa’s digital transformation.
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AI and Digital Labor Market Trends
🛠️ The Global Labour Resilience Index highlights AI shifts, with the US and Singapore leading. Released at the WEF in Davos, the report warns of growing inequality as AI reshapes labor markets. AI investments drive progress in India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, while Sub-Saharan Africa lags. The US holds 60% of global AI investments, fueling job creation. To ensure inclusive economic growth, policymakers must address AI’s risks, including job displacement and wage inequality.
💼 Workday announces layoffs of 1750 employees to focus on AI-driven growth. The 8.5% cut of its workforce is necessary for its long-term strategy. The company will also exit some office spaces while expanding strategically. Despite layoffs, Workday plans to continue hiring in select areas. The restructuring will cost $230M–$270M, mainly in severance and benefits. US employees will receive at least 12 weeks' pay, with variations abroad.
📚 The Union Budget 2025 received positive feedback for focusing on skills, growth, and tax relief. Industry leaders welcomed AI skilling initiatives, including a proposed Centre of Excellence for AI in Education. Microsoft highlighted its efforts in AI training, pledging to skill 10 million people by 2030 and establishing AI Productivity Labs in 20 training centers. These measures aim to enhance India’s technological edge, drive innovation, and support the country’s leadership in an AI-driven global economy.
Digital Skills Required For Large Language Models Dominated India’s AI Job Market
👨💻 The Indian AI sector is experiencing significant expansion, with its market size projected to reach $17B by 2027. This growth is fueled by increased adoption across industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
📊 Despite India’s AI industry growing fast, there aren’t enough skilled professionals to meet demand. Many companies can’t find candidates who can develop, deploy, and manage AI technologies. Bridging this gap requires stronger AI education and training programs.
💻 Machine Learning leads in demand for AI models by 42%, followed by Python at 40% for its widespread use. AI core skills at 36% like deep learning are also key. Java and Azure at 11% each supported backend and cloud work, while Image Processing, SQL, PyTorch, and Agile close to 10% are also important.
📈 To close the skills gap and lead globally in AI, India must prioritize skills development. Organizations should equip employees with the skills needed for the market. Job seekers must also stay informed about the skills in demand to succeed in the AI-driven job market.
Upskilling/Reskilling Intiatives
🧠 ADB granted Azerbaijan $500,000 to develop the railway sector's digital skills. Funded by Korea's e-Asia Fund, the grant supports Azerbaijan Railways' digital transformation from 2025-2026. It complements ADY's existing digital training program, which focuses on attracting external IT talent, training current employees, and hiring young specialists. The current training program is demand-driven, with departmental requests forming the annual plan.
🤖 Scaler plans to upskill 3000 AI/ML by 2027, bridging India’s talent gap. The program targets mid-level and senior professionals, focusing on advanced topics like Generative AI and MLOps. Partnering with tech companies, Scaler provides hands-on experience through 50+ projects and mentorship from experts from top firms. This initiative tackles the shortage of senior AI talent, preparing graduates for roles like Generative AI Specialist and MLOps Engineer.
🌐 Nigeria launches DeepTech_Ready to upskill 20,000 youth for data science and AI. Funded by a $1.88M Google.org grant, the program is part of a larger $5.8M investment in Africa's digital transformation. Delivered by Nigerian universities and tech companies, DeepTech_Ready offers hands-on experience, real-world projects, and expert mentorship.
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