Tech Companies Are Launching Free AI Fundamentals Courses, Investing in Workforce Upskilling

The future of work will be intertwined with artificial intelligence (AI), and the availability of credible AI training is becoming important for workforce upskilling.  

As highlighted in an article published by ZD Net, IBM’s offering of a free AI Fundamentals credential is symbolic of this trend. The company’s development is part of a larger movement where major tech entities and educational platforms are making AI education more accessible and comprehensive for the masses. 

AI’s influence on various industries demands a workforce skilled in understanding and implementing AI technologies. Initiatives like IBM’s AI Fundamentals program, Amazon’s free AI courses, and offerings from OpenAI and DeepLearning, are democratizing AI education. These programs cover a wide range of topics, from machine learning and natural language processing to AI ethics — providing learners with both technical knowledge and an understanding of the ethical implications of AI tools into their professional workflows. 

The unique focus on AI ethics within these various courses is particularly reassuring. As AI systems become more integrated into our professional and personal lives, ensuring that these systems are fair, transparent, and secure is perhaps the most important initial concern of the new technology. By incorporating these topics, these courses are preparing a workforce that is not only technically proficient but also ethically informed. 

The trend of easily accessible and credible AI training being promoted by early developers of AI, including IBM’s initiative, is laying the groundwork for individual career development. Given the rapid evolution of AI technologies, and as more individuals gain access to these resources, we can expect a more skilled and ethically aware workforce that is ready to navigate and shape their own careers in a workplace influenced by AI.