IBM is enhancing AI education through its new IBM SkillsBuild university strategy, aiming to close the skills gap in today’s workforce. With the increasing demand for AI skills, IBM will support 2 million learners globally through free training over three years. This initiative includes faculty training, online courses for students, and hands-on labs to help cultivate AI expertise. Students will also engage in capstone projects and innovation challenges to develop real-world solutions. Early success stories include students in Boston creating a chatbot and others in India developing AI applications for various sectors. As AI continues to evolve, IBM aims to expand these resources and support to prepare future talent for the marketplace.
IBM’s New Strategy for AI Skills Development in Universities
By Justina Nixon-Saintil
February 28, 2025
IBM has long been a partner to universities, and today, it is excited to announce a new strategy aimed at strengthening AI education. With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, there is a significant skills gap that needs to be addressed. This gap not only hinders innovation but also impacts economic growth globally.
Understanding the Skills Gap
The increasing demand for AI skills presents a challenge for companies, universities, and learners alike. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report, 39% of current skills could be outdated by 2030. Additionally, 76% of developers self-report as lacking expertise in generative AI. To counter this, IBM is focusing on investing in training the future workforce to meet these challenges head-on.
IBM SkillsBuild Initiative
To support students and aspiring developers, IBM has committed to providing free AI training to 2 million learners over the next three years. As part of this initiative, IBM has co-created an AI competencies guide to help define essential skills across different sectors. Key components of this new strategy include:
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Faculty Training: IBM will connect with professors to enhance AI education in universities, providing them with resources and support to cultivate their students’ AI skills.
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Free Courses for Beginners: IBM is offering free online courses to university students across all disciplines. These courses, lasting about an hour each, introduce generative AI topics like chatbots and text-to-speech technologies.
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Hands-On Labs: For computer science and IT students, IBM will provide labs where they can engage in interactive, practical exercises to deepen their understanding of AI concepts.
- Capstone Projects and Innovation Challenges: Advanced students will have the chance to work on real-world problems using IBM’s AI solutions, gaining valuable experience through capstone projects and hackathons.
Success Stories and the Road Ahead
IBM has already seen success stories from its pilot programs. In Boston, students created a chatbot to help assess college credit for work completed outside traditional settings. Projects in India and the UK showcase the diverse applications of AI technology in areas like agriculture and disaster response.
Looking forward, IBM plans to broaden its partnerships with universities and expand the resources available to faculty and students. They are committed to closing the AI skills gap and preparing learners for the increasingly tech-driven job Market.
For university students interested in building their AI skills, check out IBM SkillsBuild. If you’re an educator looking to participate, more information can be found on the IBM website.
Tags: IBM, AI education, Skills development, universities, future of work, generative AI, workforce training
What is IBM doing to help student developers?
IBM is providing training and resources in artificial intelligence to help students learn and develop their skills. This makes it easier for them to build AI applications and understand how AI works.
Why is AI important for student developers?
AI is important because it is becoming a big part of many industries. Learning AI skills helps students stand out in the job Market and prepares them for future careers in technology.
How can students access IBM’s resources for AI training?
Students can access IBM’s AI training resources through online platforms, workshops, and university partnerships. Many of these resources are free or low-cost.
What skills will students learn in IBM’s AI programs?
Students will learn various skills, including programming, data analysis, and how to create AI models. They will also gain knowledge on how to apply AI to real-world problems.
Can these AI skills help students get jobs after graduation?
Yes, having AI skills can significantly improve students’ job prospects. Many employers look for candidates with experience in AI and related technologies, and IBM’s programs help students gain that experience.