IBM is enhancing AI education in universities with its new SkillsBuild strategy. Aiming to bridge the skills gap in artificial intelligence, IBM will provide free AI training to 2 million learners globally over three years. The initiative includes faculty training, beginner-friendly online courses, hands-on labs, and real-world projects to equip students with vital AI competencies. These resources target various learner needs, fostering talent among aspiring developers and building practical skills. Early success stories from pilot programs demonstrate the positive impact of this approach. As AI continues to evolve, IBM is committed to collaborating with universities to prepare the future workforce for the demands of tomorrow’s job Market.
IBM Strengthens AI Education in Universities with New SkillsBuild Strategy
By Justina Nixon-Saintil | VP, CSR and Chief Impact Officer
February 28, 2025
IBM has been collaborating with universities for nearly a century, and today marks a significant milestone in that journey. The new IBM SkillsBuild university strategy aims to enhance AI education within academic institutions. With the increasing demand for AI skills, IBM is committed to cultivating technical talent that drives economic growth on a global scale.
Addressing the Skills Gap
The current skills gap is a barrier to innovation and business transformation. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report, the need for AI expertise is critical; by 2030, almost 40% of current skills may evolve or become outdated. Recent research indicates that 76% of developers do not view themselves as experts in generative AI. IBM recognizes that the future workforce requires substantial investment to bridge this gap.
How IBM Supports Learners
To empower students and budding developers, IBM has pledged to offer free AI training to 2 million learners worldwide over three years. This initiative includes:
– Faculty Training: IBM connects with professors to provide AI resources and training, helping them enhance their students’ knowledge and skills.
– Free Generative AI Courses: Students enrolled in any discipline can access short, introductory courses on topics like text-to-speech technologies and chatbot creation.
– Hands-on Labs: Interactive labs allow students in tech fields to gain deeper insights into AI by experimenting with code generation and data classification.
– Capstone Projects and Innovation Challenges: Advanced students can collaborate with IBM experts on real-world projects, applying AI to various industries, and participate in hackathons.
Real-World Impact
IBM’s pilot programs have demonstrated tangible successes. In Boston, university students developed a chatbot to assist in evaluating non-traditional college experiences for credit. Indian students created watsonx solutions for the legal sector and agriculture. In the UK, students worked on a disaster-response robot that enhances rescue efforts through AI technology.
Looking to the Future
The rapid pace of AI innovation highlights the urgent need for skilled professionals. As more open-source AI models emerge, students and educators play a crucial role in shaping this dynamic landscape. IBM plans to further expand its initiatives, enhancing resources for faculty and broadening AI coursework for students.
By working closely with universities and the IBM SkillsBuild network, the goal is to create a robust pipeline of technological talent ready for the marketplace.
For students interested in AI education, visit the IBM SkillsBuild website to explore available resources.
For universities and faculty wanting to participate, more information is available on our participation page.
Tags: IBM, AI education, SkillsBuild, universities, workforce development, generative AI, digital learning
What is IBM doing for student developers?
IBM is helping student developers by offering training and resources focused on AI skills. This program is available at universities and aims to prepare students for future jobs in technology.
Why is learning AI important for students?
Learning AI is important because it is becoming a big part of many jobs. With AI skills, students can stand out in the job Market and work on exciting projects in various fields.
How can students get involved with IBM’s program?
Students can get involved by signing up for workshops, online courses, and events offered by IBM. Many universities also partner with IBM to provide access to these resources.
What kind of skills will students learn?
Students will learn practical AI skills, including programming, data analysis, and machine learning. They will gain hands-on experience that they can use in their future careers.
Are there any costs for students to participate?
Most of the programs and resources from IBM are free for students. This helps ensure that everyone can access valuable training without worrying about costs.