A group of global tech giants, along with six advisors, have announced the launch of the AI-Enabled Information and Communication Technology Workforce Consortium, focused on upskilling and reskilling the tech roles most likely to be impacted by artificial intelligence (AI).

A private sector collaboration, the group consists of Google, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, SAP, Accenture, Eightfold, Indeed, various advisors, and is led by Cisco.

The creation of the Consortium was brought about by the work of the US-EU Trade and Technology Council’s (TTC) Talent for Growth Task Force, with the goal of exploring AI’s affect on tech job roles, helping workers to find and access training programmes, and connecting businesses to skilled and job-ready workers.

In its first phase of work, the Consortium is to evaluate the impact of AI on around 56 tech job roles, culminating in a report with insights for business leaders and workers which recommends ways to reskill and upskill workers in preparation for AI-enabled environments.

The group members have also established individual goals, such as Cisco training 25 million people with cybersecurity and digital skills by 2032, and Microsoft training and certifying 10 million people from underserved communities with in-demand digital skills by 2025.

“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 organizations 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.”

“Google believes the opportunities created by technology should truly be available to everyone,” also commented Lisa Gevelber, founder of Grow with Google, Google’s digital upskilling programme.

“We’re proud to join the AI-Enabled Workforce Consortium, which will advance our work to make AI skills training universally accessible.

“We’re committed to collaborating across sectors to ensure workers of all backgrounds can use AI effectively and develop the skills needed to prepare for future-focused jobs, qualify for new opportunities, and thrive in the economy.”

Recommended reading

• UK and US Strike New AI Safety Partnership
• Has Technology Created or Replaced More Jobs?
• Is AI Art More Eco-friendly Than What Humans Make?

The creation of the Consortium follows a slew of recent studies concerning the potential impact of AI on both the tech workforce as well as jobs in general.

At the beginning of the year, IMF’s research found that almost 40% of global employment is susceptible to the impact of AI.

The World Economic Forum’s research from around this time last year also found that 50% of organisations believe AI will create job growth, and 25% expect it to create job losses.

However, training workers to utilise AI and big data will be prioritised by 42% of companies in the coming years.