In a notable shift towards embracing advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), and related courses, India Inc’s learning and development (L&D) strategies have undergone a significant transformation. Edtech companies have experienced an unprecedented surge in demand, witnessing enrollments skyrocket by up to 500 percent in the past year alone. This surge signifies a strategic shift among Indian corporations, emphasizing the importance of upskilling their workforce to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly digitalized environment. From established multinational corporations to burgeoning start-ups, there’s a clear recognition of the transformative potential of AI.
Edtech firms have responded swiftly to this growing demand by offering a wide range of AI-focused courses tailored to meet various professional requirements. These platforms provide flexible learning pathways, accommodating diverse schedules and skill levels. Mohan Kannegal, CEO of India and APAC at Emeritus, highlighted the significant growth in AI program portfolios, indicating a fundamental change in how individuals and businesses are embracing AI to modernize operations and gain a competitive advantage.
The surge in AI learning is also supported by the Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study 2023, which reveals widespread concerns among respondents about potential technological displacement. Similarly, Simplilearn has witnessed remarkable growth in its AI-focused business, with enrollments increasing by over 400 percent year-on-year. Simplilearn now offers an expanded range of AI courses, catering to developers, data scientists, business professionals, executives, and non-coders.
Organizations are adopting a systematic approach to upskilling their workforce, utilizing a common skills framework to identify talent gaps. However, challenges persist in updating these frameworks to align with evolving business needs. Infosys, a prominent IT firm, emphasizes the importance of AI skills and is committed to equipping its employees with the necessary competencies. Shaji Mathew, Group Head of Human Resource Development at Infosys, underscores the vision of empowering every job role with AI assistance, facilitating seamless career transitions and ensuring proficiency in an AI-powered economy.
While technical skills such as AI remain essential, soft skills also play a crucial role in today’s workforce. LinkedIn’s data reveals a significant increase in job postings mentioning new AI technologies, indicating a growing demand for AI-related skills. However, hiring managers prioritize a combination of hard and soft skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and IT proficiency, underscoring the importance of a well-rounded skill set in the evolving job market.
