📱 AI and Digital Skills #3
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 AI and the digital workforce, the US DOGE agency laid off over a dozen federal IT staff, citing restructuring, with remaining employees required to return to offices by April 15. Google partnered with Telangana to advance AI skilling, education, agriculture, solar adoption, and startup support. Indiana launched an AI training program to expand access citywide. Google will invest $5M in Poland to train 1M youth in AI for energy and cybersecurity. Microsoft and Qatar are collaborating on digital skills training in cloud computing and IT. In Nigeria, Microsoft is investing $1M to train 1M people in AI, while Google is also supporting AI workforce development. Meanwhile, 80% of Chinese firms now require AI skills for hiring.
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AI and Digital Labor Market Trends
💰 US DOGE team fires federal IT department staff after merger. The layoffs, affecting over a dozen employees, are attributed to restructuring and changes in the agency’s mission. The dismissals are part of a broader wave of job cuts across the federal government as Musk overhauls its bureaucracy. Remaining staffers were also told they must return to physical offices by April 15.
🌐 Google and the Government of Telangana partner for AI adoption. The collaboration includes AI skilling programs, Google for Education initiatives, and an Open Agriculture Network to support farmers. It will also enhance data access through Google’s Data Commons, accelerate solar adoption with Google’s Solar API, and support startups through accelerator programs.
🤖 Indiana launches AI training program for residents. It aims to make AI accessible to all, regardless of expertise. Training takes place in Indianapolis, emphasizing citywide reach. Ekiyor highlights AI’s efficiency benefits and the need for early accessibility. The initiative underscores AI literacy’s growing role in shaping Indianapolis’ future workforce.
Nearly 80% of Chinese firms look for AI Skills When Hiring
📊 The chart illustrates a strong preference for AI skills among hiring leaders, with an average of 66% across 31 countries stating they would not hire someone without AI proficiency.
✔️ Asian countries like China, Vietnam, and India prioritize AI skills more in hiring compared to Western nations such as the US, France, and the UK, where the emphasis is relatively lower.
📝 The combination of policy support, economic needs, education reforms, and competitive labor markets would be the drivers of Asian countries to prioritize AI skills more in hiring than Western nations.
👨💻 The growing preference among global leaders for candidates with AI skills shows a clear shift in the job market, where AI knowledge is becoming a key requirement rather than an advantage. This trend highlights the importance of upskilling to stay competitive in the workforce.
Upskilling/Reskilling Intiatives
💻 Google and Poland partner on AI for energy, cybersecurity. The deal, sealed by Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, includes expanding Google's operations in Poland, which is its largest engineering hub. Google will invest $5M over five years in digital training for 1M youth. The collaboration aims to strengthen Poland’s security and economy, with major investments from Google and Microsoft expected by 2025.
💡 Qatar and Microsoft partner for digital skills boost. The initiative aligns with Qatar’s Nationalisation Law and Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030). Participants, especially those on the "Kawader" platform, will receive training in cloud computing, IT, and digital transformation to enhance employability and leadership potential, supporting Qatar’s goal of creating a skilled, tech-driven workforce adaptable to market demands.
🦾 Microsoft is launching a $1M program to train 1M Nigerians in AI and digital skills over two years. Led by Microsoft Nigeria with partners like Tech4Dev and Data Science Nigeria, the initiative aims to equip young people for future jobs. However, the $1 per trainee budget raises concerns about training depth. Microsoft hasn’t detailed the program’s structure but plans to build on past efforts. Google is also investing in Nigeria’s AI talent, signaling growing Big Tech interest.
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