Microsoft and LinkedIn have jointly launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing free introductory training in generative AI. This innovative learning pathway offers workers the opportunity to grasp the fundamental concepts of AI, including an exploration of responsible AI frameworks. Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a Career Essentials certificate—a significant milestone as it marks the first professional certificate for Generative AI in the online learning landscape.
Recent research by Nasscom has revealed that India possesses the second-largest pool of AI talent worldwide. Moreover, India leads in AI skill penetration and AI talent concentration. However, despite the presence of approximately 420,000 professionals, there remains a significant 51% gap between the demand and supply of AI/ML big data analytics tech talent within India.
Microsoft has been at the forefront of driving AI skilling and workforce readiness initiatives. Over the past two years, they have trained nearly 70,000 female students from Tier II and III towns in AI skills.
This initiative is part of Microsoft’s broader Skills for Jobs program, which aims to equip people worldwide with digital skills. It complements Microsoft’s other Skills for Jobs endeavors, focused on addressing the cybersecurity skills gap and the sustainability skills gap.
The AI Skills Initiative represents the next phase in Microsoft’s ongoing campaign to empower individuals and communities globally by harnessing the potential of generative AI. Microsoft’s commitment to helping people and organizations worldwide achieve more through AI is evident in this initiative.
The newly announced AI Skills Initiative is a significant step forward in the world of AI education. Developed in collaboration with LinkedIn, it offers a range of free introductory generative AI learning materials. This coursework covers fundamental AI concepts and includes an exploration of responsible AI frameworks. Upon completion, participants will receive a Career Essentials certificate, marking a pioneering achievement as the first professional certificate in Generative AI available in the online learning market.
A recent report from Nasscom has highlighted India’s impressive position in the global AI talent landscape, with the country boasting the second-largest AI talent pool and leading in AI skill penetration and concentration. However, despite a substantial talent base of approximately 420,000 professionals, India still faces a significant 51% gap in meeting the demand for AI/ML big data analytics tech talent.
Microsoft has been actively involved in advancing AI skills and workforce readiness initiatives. Over the past two years, the company has trained nearly 70,000 female students from Tier II and III towns in AI skills.
This latest initiative aligns with Microsoft’s overarching Skills for Jobs program, which aims to provide digital skills to individuals worldwide. It complements Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to address the cybersecurity skills gap and the sustainability skills gap, contributing to a more skilled global workforce.

The AI Skills Initiative represents a pivotal development in Microsoft’s ongoing mission to democratize AI knowledge and empower individuals and communities worldwide. This initiative is just the beginning of Microsoft’s commitment to helping people leverage generative AI to achieve their goals.
The AI Skills Initiative announced by Microsoft and LinkedIn is a significant leap forward in the realm of AI education. This collaborative effort introduces a range of free introductory generative AI learning materials. These resources cover fundamental AI concepts and delve into responsible AI frameworks. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Career Essentials certificate, marking a historic achievement as the first professional certificate in Generative AI available in the online learning arena.
Recent research conducted by Nasscom highlights India’s prominent position in the global AI talent landscape, with the country possessing the second-largest AI talent pool and leading in AI skill penetration and concentration. However, despite a substantial talent pool of approximately 420,000 professionals, India still faces a substantial 51% gap in meeting the demand for AI/ML big data analytics tech talent.
Microsoft has been actively driving initiatives to enhance AI skills and workforce readiness. Over the past two years, the company has trained nearly 70,000 female students from Tier II and III towns in AI skills.
This latest initiative is a part of Microsoft’s comprehensive Skills for Jobs program, which seeks to equip individuals worldwide with digital skills. It complements Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to address the cybersecurity skills gap and the sustainability skills gap, contributing to a more skilled global workforce.
The AI Skills Initiative represents a pivotal step in Microsoft’s continuous mission to democratize AI knowledge and empower individuals and communities worldwide. This initiative marks the beginning of Microsoft’s commitment to helping people harness the potential of generative AI to achieve their aspirations.