In a landmark move, Microsoft Corp., and Pearson, the world’s leading lifelong learning company, have announced a multi-year partnership to address the global challenge of upskilling workers for an AI-driven economy.
This strategic collaboration leverages Pearson's extensive expertise in education and assessment and Microsoft's advanced cloud and AI technologies. Together, the organizations aim to provide innovative solutions to equip employers, workers, and learners with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
The partnership is a response to growing concerns about workforce readiness in the AI era. According to a global IDC survey, a lack of skilled workers remains the biggest barrier to implementing AI technology within organizations. Similarly, the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report from Microsoft and LinkedIn revealed that 66% of business leaders prioritize hiring candidates with AI skills.
Pearson’s research, Skills Outlook: Reclaim the Clock, highlights AI's transformative potential in the workplace. It shows that generative AI could save U.S. workers 78 million hours weekly by automating repetitive tasks.
Key Areas of Collaboration
1. Personalized Learning at Scale
Pearson will utilize Microsoft Azure's cloud and AI infrastructure to enhance its content, assessment, upskilling, and certification services. This will enable personalized learning experiences for millions of learners worldwide, catering to various career stages and industries.
2. Innovative AI Tools and Certifications
The partnership will introduce AI-focused credentials and certifications, empowering individuals to develop technical skills and AI proficiency. Additionally, new AI copilots and tools will be launched to help learners identify skill gaps and improve capabilities, including English language learning.
3. Expanding Career Certifications
Microsoft will extend its collaboration with Pearson VUE, ensuring the availability of Microsoft Cloud and Office certifications through 2029. This initiative has already equipped millions with essential digital skills and will now reach even more learners globally.
4. AI-Powered Workforce at Pearson
After piloting Microsoft 365 Copilot, Pearson will implement this technology across its global workforce, enhancing productivity, creativity, and operational efficiency.
A Global Impact on Learning and Careers
The partnership builds on existing initiatives by both organizations to promote digital and AI skilling worldwide. In 2024, Microsoft and its partners certified over 23 million people in digital skills, while Pearson launched its Generative AI Foundations certification to prepare professionals and students for the AI era.
Pearson’s tools, such as Pearson VUE, Faethm, and Credly badging, are already helping organizations worldwide diagnose, assess, and certify critical skills.
This partnership marks a significant step toward equipping the global workforce with the tools and knowledge needed to harness the potential of AI and drive growth in an increasingly automated world.
Click here to read the original press release.
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