📱 AI and Digital Skills #21
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, Microsoft announced plans to cut thousands more jobs in July, primarily in sales and support, as part of its effort to deepen its AI strategy, following 6,000 layoffs in May. Kyndryl launched an ASEAN AI Innovation Lab in Singapore, hiring 50 specialists to advance regional AI growth and responsible adoption. The UK is investing $118B in R&D under its industrial strategy, including $920M for quantum computing and $550M for expanding apprenticeships and skills reform. In Nigeria, the NDDC will train 1,000 Niger Delta youths in digital skills to foster legitimate tech careers beyond oil. AWS Japan has partnered with two national colleges to train over 100 AI professionals in three years, supporting Japan’s Society 5.0 goals. Lastly, Simplilearn and Michigan Engineering have introduced a Generative AI leadership program to build executive-level skills in ethical and practical AI, offering certifications from both Michigan and Microsoft.
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AI and Digital Labor Market Trends
💼 Microsoft to Cut More Jobs in July Amid Deepening AI Focus. Microsoft plans another round of layoffs in early July, targeting thousands of roles, primarily in sales and customer support, as it accelerates its pivot toward AI-driven growth. This follows the 6,000 job cuts announced in May, part of a broader restructuring aimed at aligning with the company's multi-billion-dollar investments in AI infrastructure and data centers.
🤖 Kyndryl Opens ASEAN AI Innovation Lab in Singapore to Boost Regional AI Growth. Kyndryl has launched its ASEAN AI Innovation Lab in Singapore, hiring 50 AI specialists to advance responsible AI adoption across Southeast Asia. It supports Singapore’s goal to become a global AI innovation hub, while fostering regional talent and enterprise transformation.
🚀 The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy prioritizes digital and tech skills with $118 billion for R&D. The primary goals include the reformation of skills and employee support systems and $920M to drive the development and adoption of quantum computers in the UK. Apprenticeships will expand with 65,000 more young adult positions by 2028-29, backed by $550M in funding for further education.
US Outstrips all Other Nations by Over 90% in Newly Funded AI Companies in 2024
📈 The US led globally with over 1000 newly funded AI companies, significantly more than the second-highest, the United Kingdom, with 116 companies.
🔒 The US leads in global AI investment (70% in 2023) and new startups, driven by top universities (MIT, Stanford, Berkeley) that produce skilled graduates and foster innovation.
🤖 Fueling new ventures, AI hubs Silicon Valley and Boston draw billions in venture capital, with Bay Area investments alone reaching $70 billion in 2024, housing giants like OpenAI and thousands of startups.
Upskilling/Reskilling Initiatives
🌐 NDDC to Train 1,000 Niger Delta Youths in Digital Skills to Shift Focus Beyond Oil. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will train 1,000 youths at a digital summit in Port Harcourt, aimed at redirecting energy from cybercrime to legitimate digital opportunities. The program will offer tech training, startup capital, and guidance on remote work, fintech, agritech, and more.
💻 AWS Japan Partners with Colleges to Boost AI Talent for Regional Revitalization. AWS Japan has teamed up with Asahikawa and Toyama National Colleges of Technology to address Japan’s AI talent shortage and stimulate regional revitalization. Through free programs like AWS Academy and Skill Builder, the initiative aims to train 100+ AI-skilled individuals over three years. It builds on Japan’s Society 5.0 strategy to merge digital and physical spaces for economic and social progress.
🚀 Simplilearn & Michigan Engineering Launch GenAI Leadership Program. Simplilearn and Michigan Engineering Professional Education have partnered to launch a Generative AI Applications for Leaders program. Learners gain practical skills in automation, analytics, and ethical AI, earning certifications from Michigan Engineering and Microsoft.
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