Amazon (ticker: AMZN) has unveiled an ambitious plan that could give it a competitive advantage in the increasingly intense race for skilled workers in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
The retail giant announced on Monday its commitment to provide free AI training to two million individuals by 2025, recognizing the urgent need for an AI-savvy workforce. The initiative, known as AI Ready, offers a comprehensive range of eight online courses catering to both foundational and advanced levels. Additionally, Amazon has introduced a scholarship program specifically tailored for over 50,000 high school and university students.
According to Swami Sivasubramanian, Vice President of Data and AI at Amazon Web Services, “If we are going to unlock the full potential of AI to tackle the world’s most challenging problems, we need to make AI education accessible to anyone with a desire to learn.”
While this initiative undeniably positions Amazon ahead of its competitors such as Microsoft (ticker: MSFT) and Alphabet (ticker: GOOGL), it also demonstrates the company’s commitment to enhancing AI education across various business sectors. Sivasubramanian explained that the primary objective is to “democratize” generative AI education, thereby benefiting not only Amazon but also its enterprise customers.
A recent study conducted by Amazon Web Services revealed that while 73% of businesses prioritize hiring individuals with AI skills, a staggering three out of four organizations struggle to find suitable talent.
Despite tremendous advancements in artificial intelligence over the past year, the corporate workforce remains significantly underprepared to fully leverage its potential. Amazon’s groundbreaking program aims to bridge this knowledge gap, ultimately benefiting both individuals seeking AI training and the company itself in its quest for talented professionals.
