Microsoft launches AI Academy after successful pilot with thousands of enterprise employees in Australia and New Zealand
Microsoft today announced availability for its AI Academy in Australia and New Zealand, helping organisations improve their Artificial Intelligence (AI) capability and accelerate AI adoption across their entire workforce.
Microsoft’s AI Academy aims to support the development of AI skills for both technical professionals (such as software developers and data scientists) and non-technical workers (such as business managers and administrative staff). These skills will enable organisations in Australia and New Zealand to capitalise on the significant productivity, creativity and growth opportunities presented by generative AI.
According to research by the Tech Council of Australia, AI could create up to 200,000 AI-related jobs in Australia by 2030, boost productivity and inject billions of dollars into the nation’s economy.
The announcement follows a successful pilot of the AI Academy with five organisations: Australia Post, ASB Bank, Bank of Queensland (BOQ), National Australia Bank (NAB) and the Western Australian Government. More than 4,100 employees from these organisations have completed in-person and virtual AI upskilling programs through the academy.
Developed by an organisation’s Microsoft Training Program Manager and Training Services Partner in collaboration with the participating organisation, the AI Academy is highly customised to each organisation’s target audiences, objectives and outcomes. It is designed for organisations that have already begun their generative AI journey and need support to drive adoption and enhance the technology’s impact.
“The AI Academy addresses a strategic shift in how our customers across government and industry want to upskill their employees in AI, with the focus now on all roles in their organisation rather than specific employees or teams,” said Jo Dooley (pictured), General Manager, Enterprise Commercial at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand.
Microsoft selected Training Services Partner Akkodis Australia to deliver the first set of programs for the AI Academy. The programs include general upskilling for any role, to drive AI adoption and capability building, as well as in-depth, workshop-style training for leaders, functional leads, developers and technology teams.
“As a Microsoft Consulting Partner and authorised Microsoft Training Services Partner, Akkodis Australia is uniquely positioned to bring a wealth of practical experience and expertise to the AI Academy,” said Peter Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President at Akkodis Australia.
“Designed by Akkodis and run by dedicated program managers, the academy offers comprehensive AI upskilling for all teams across an organisation. It plays an integral part in introducing workforces to the world of AI and building their capability in this rapidly growing landscape.”
Australia and New Zealand are among the strongest adopters of generative AI in the workplace. According to Microsoft’s latest Work Trend Index, 84 per cent of employees in each country are using the technology at work – this is higher than the global average of 75 per cent.
In fact, employees often aren’t waiting to be formally trained or introduced to the tools via their IT departments and leadership teams. The Work Trend Index found that 78 per cent of AI users in Australia and 81 per cent in New Zealand are bringing their own AI tools to work.
The AI Academy helps organisations capitalise on this interest and drive innovation, while ensuring their workers use generative AI responsibly and adhere to their specific policies.
Jessica Gleeson, Executive of Data Strategy and Execution at NAB, said, “Given the rapid advances of technology, upskilling is hugely important, and over several years, we’ve been building a strong learning culture at NAB. This includes the establishment of a Data & Analytics Guild to help train and develop our people with their technical and conceptual skills across data science practices, data governance, data privacy and literacy, and the ethical use of data, AI and machine learning.
“Our participation in the Microsoft AI Academy builds on this approach, providing our people with a new way to learn and upskill in AI, and ensuring NAB is strategically positioned to capitalise on the opportunities AI offers to enhance the experiences of our customers and colleagues.”
Michael McNamara, Executive General Manager Enterprise Services at Australia Post, said, “The academy program is all about educating our team members on the power of AI and how to use it securely and responsibly. Empowering our people to do new things faster, better and smarter is integral to how we will work into the future. Under our Post26 Strategy this is part of a transformation that’s highly focused on streamlining our business and improving customer experience across everything we do.”
Craig Ryman, Chief Information Officer at BOQ, said, “AI is a critical tool for workplace productivity, innovation and customer engagement. The AI Academy has provided valuable foundational training for our teams, which will help drive BOQ’s ambition to be at the forefront of leveraging AI.”
The AI Academy is now available for all organisations in Australia and New Zealand and is being expanded across Asia. To access it, organisations can contact their Microsoft Training Program Manager, who will help them work with Akkodis or their preferred Microsoft Training Services Partner to design a fit-for-purpose academy. Costs vary depending on the number and type of programs selected.
Organisations can now also create their own customised programs using Microsoft’s free skilling assets through Microsoft Learn for Organizations. This enables them to jump-start team training and close skills gaps to help their workforce keep pace with fast-evolving technology and new roles and responsibilities.
