Cisco launches tech consortium aimed at upskilling the workforce for AI

Participating firms include Google, Accenture, IBM, Intel, Microsoft and SAP

Cisco and a coalition of tech vendors including Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP have joined forces to launch a new industry group, the so called AI-Enabled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Workforce Consortium, aimed at preparing the workforce for large-scale adoption of AI.

"AI is accelerating the pace of change for the global workforce, presenting a powerful opportunity for the private sector to help upskill and reskill workers for the future," said Francine Katsoudas, executive vice president and chief people, policy & purpose officer at Cisco.

"The mission of our newly unveiled AI-Enabled Workforce Consortium is to provide organisations with knowledge about the impact of AI on the workforce and equip workers with relevant skills. We look forward to engaging other stakeholders—including governments, NGOs, and the academic community—as we take this important first step toward ensuring that the AI revolution leaves no one behind."

Inspired by the US-EU Trade and Technology Council's (TTC) Talent for Growth Task Force, the consortium aims to explore AI's impact on ICT job roles and facilitate access to relevant training programs for workers, according to Cisco.

"The dynamics of work and the very essence of work are evolving at an unprecedented pace," said Ashutosh Garg, CEO and co-founder of Eightfold AI.

"Through its Talent Intelligence Platform, it empowers business leaders to adapt swiftly to the changing business environment."

Ellyn Shook, chief leadership & human resources officer at Accenture, emphasised the importance of reskilling people to work with AI, stating, "Helping organisations identify skills gaps and train people at speed and scale is a major priority for Accenture... Reskilling people to work with AI is paramount in every industry."

Lisa Gevelber, founder of Grow with Google, highlighted their commitment to making AI skills training universally accessible: "Google believes the opportunities created by technology should truly be available to everyone. We're proud to join the AI-Enabled Workforce Consortium, which will advance our work to make AI skills training universally accessible."

Gian Luigi Cattaneo, VP of HR, IBM EMEA, underlined the collective responsibility of industry leaders: "IBM is proud to join this timely business-led initiative, which brings together our shared expertise and resources to prepare the workforce for the AI era."

Hannah Calhoon, head of AI innovation at Indeed, stressed the significance of reskilling and upskilling to adapt to AI-driven changes in job roles: "Indeed's mission is to help people get jobs... The companies who empower their employees to learn new skills and gain on-the-job experience with evolving AI tools will deepen their bench of experts, boost retention, and expand their pool of qualified candidates."

Overall, the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium aims to equip workers with the skills needed for the AI era and ensure an inclusive and resilient workforce for the future.